Benefits of Service-Learning
What are the Benefits of Service-Learning?
For Students:
- Enriches student learning of course material and "brings books to life and life to books."
- Engages students in active learning that demonstrates the relevance and importance of academic work for their life experiences and their career choices.
- Increases awareness of current societal issues as they relate to academic areas of interest.
- Broadens perspectives of diversity issues and enhances critical thinking skills.
- Improves interpersonal skills that are increasingly viewed as important skills in achieving success in professional and personal spheres.
- Develops civic responsibility through active community involvement.
For the Community
- Provides substantial human resources to meet educational, human, safety, and environmental needs of local communities.
- Allows the energy and enthusiasm of college students to contribute to meetings needs.
- Fosters an ethnic of service and civic participation in students who will be tomorrow's volunteers and civic leaders.
- Creates potential for additional partnerships and collaboration with the campus
For the Faculty Members and Institution
- Enriches and enlivens teaching and learning.
- Builds reciprocal partnerships with the local community.
- Creates new areas for research and scholarships, and increases opportunities for professional recognition and reward.
- Extends campus resources into the community and reinforces the value of the scholarship of engagement.
Adapted from: Almonte, Paul, Dorell, Hafflin et al. Service Learning at Salt Lake Community College, A Faculty Handbook
