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• What is Service-Learning?
• Goals
• Why Participate in Service-Learning? What can Service-Learning do for me?
• Service Learning Projects
• The Service-Learning Experience
• How to Start a Service-Learning Project
• Importance of a Reflection

What is Service-Learning?

Service-Learning is not a unique or new concept, it simply combines student learning with community involvement. It is generally agreed that service-learning occurs in the school and the community, where students learn in the school and in turn serve the community. There is not one specific definition for Service-Learning. Subject to various interpretations, it is continuously shifting and changing, resisting definition's constraints. Under the US National and Community Service Act of 1993 we understand Service-Learning to be: (reference: http://nicsl.jaws.umn.edu/)

• A method by which students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of communities;
• Coordinated with an elementary school, secondary school, institution of higher education, or community service program and the community;
• Helps foster civic responsibility;
• Is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students, or the education components of the community service program in which the participants are enrolled;
• Provides structured time for students or participants to reflect on the service experience.

"Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happened to him."
- Aldous Huxley

Goals

Just like the definition, Service-Learning does not have one particular set of goals. Different organizations and different people have their own goals depending on their needs. Some Service-Learning goals are:

• To boost self-confidence and self-esteem within individuals.
• To help the community.
• develop meaningful and caring relationships between the students and others.
• increase cross-cultural experiences
• Provide the opportunity for students to do significant work for others.
• To create better citizens.
• Through experience and action increase student learning.
• By exposing students to the hardships and disadvanages of others, evoke a desire to help.
• Increase the breadth of student learning.
• To allow students to help others and themselves.
• Prepare students for their careers.
• Maintain students attendance.
• Make a local impact.
• increase academic achievement, skills and enhance values.