Service Learning
What is service-learning?
Service-Learning combines structured learning opportunities with active participation in the community, relating the content and objectives of a course to issues in the community. Service-learning courses combine meaningful service in communities with critical reflection on the ethical, intellectual, and civic aspects of students’ experiences.
A wide variety of activities can meet this criteria, including: oral history research, grant and proposal writing, information management, video production, organization and management analysis, translation services, performances, publicity, statistical research, opinion research, and financial consultation.
What are the benefits of service-learning?
- Fosters civic competence and engagement among students
- Provides relevant and meaningful service to the community
Among students, there are increased critical thinking skills, increased levels of understanding national and community problems, and an increased sense of civic responsibility. In SMU service-learning courses, a majority of students completing evaluations reported that their service made them more aware of community problems.