The Benefits of Students Participating in Service Learning

Service Learning is a method of teaching and learning which combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service and Civic Engagement are wonderful, expansive learning occasions for students in classes designated as Service Learning. These are experiential learning opportunities for your student. Encouraging them to get engaged in their community helps them expand their worldview, develop personal responsibility and maturity, as well as broaden their education.

A recent Rand report sponsored by Learn and Serve America indicates that students involved in service and service learning exhibit a greater sense of civic responsibility and a rise in commitment to helping others.

The same Rand report shows that students involved in service and service learning increase their commitment to influencing social values and influencing the political structure; nonparticipating students actually displayed a decline in these areas. And, just as importantly, servicelearning participants display increased knowledge and acceptance of different races and cultures, as well as a commitment to promoting racial understanding. (Learn and Serve America, 2002-03).

Related Article: Obama National Service Plan Promises Exciting Opportunities for Students