SERVICE LEARNING: THE NEXT GENERATION IN EDUCATION

Abstract

This article introduces the concept of service learning to those unfamiliar with it, defines it in contrast to volunteerism or internships, describes how the program ties in with the academics of the classroom, and addresses the benefits service learning provides to students, faculty, and community agencies. Service learning is presented as an academically rigorous addition to the arsenal of teaching tools available to faculty members. The flexibility and creativity of such programs are delineated, and the program's ability to link departments and educational levels is expanded upon. Benefits to students include access to career exploration opportunities, enhancement of interpersonal and human-relations skills, and enhanced academic learning. Benefits to faculty include having access to another teaching tool with which to meet the academic objective of the course, providing another method for professional development, and offering another vehicle to address students' learning styles. Benefits to community agencies include having motivated students on-site providing much needed work, and an opportunity to increase services provide to clients.