Special Resource Material Developed by the Center
Title: Service Learning in Schools (information Resource)
Description: While there are a variety of definitions for service learning, at the core is the
idea of incorporating structured, authentic, community hands-on
experiences into formal education. This is contrasted with volunteering
services in a community that do not have a structured educational connection.
A service learning program is intended to provide meaningful, real world
experiences that promote reflection on and acquisition of knowledge, skills, and
attitudes related to the academic objectives of a course and/or major field of study. The emphasis is not only on benefiting the learner but on benefitting the community (e.g., improving services) and ultimately society (e.g., inculcating citizenship values).
For schools with service learning activities, the service-learning programs are
generally part of the schools’ core curriculum -- included in at least one subject area (e.g., Social Studies, Science, English) in at least one grade in the school. Typically, schools service-learning requirements involve a mandated number of hours outside of the classroom and/or participation in a certain number of courses. A few report requiring special projects, such as a senior capstone or character education project or activities organized by student and community-based groups. A service learning experience may be a requirement for graduation. Access at: http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/pdfdocs/service.pdf 90kb; 9pp
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