Center for Civic Engagement & Service

What is Service Learning

What is Service Learning?

Service-learning is a teaching method that combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. University service-learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community.

Distinguishing Characteristics of Some Common Student Community-Based Experiences
	Community Service	Enhanced Academic Learning	Purposeful Civic Learning
Volunteering or Community Service	Yes	No	No
Co-Curricular Service Learning	Yes	No	Yes
Academic Service-Learning	Yes	Yes	Yes
Internship	Yes*	Yes	No
*Not all internships involve service in the community.

From “Three Necessary Criteria for Academic Service-Learning,” by Jeffrey Howard, 2001, Michigan Journal of Community Service-Learning: Service-Learning Course Design Workbook, Companion Volume, p.13.