Service Learning

Abstract

Service Learning is an academic model providing students and faculty hands-on experiences and an opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and skills through projects aimed at identifying and meeting real community needs. President Barack Obama has made Service Learning a major priority of his administration’s education reform initiatives for all student levels including higher education. Students are challenged and empowered to identify community needs, plan projects to address them, and implement their projects benefitting both the community and the service providers (students, faculty, and institution). Service Learning combines service with a learning experience and can be implemented in a variety of subject areas if the projects align with and serve desired learning outcomes. The challenges and achievements of Service Learning and its implementation are discussed, along with suggestions for further research.