Author: Mary-Lynn Starkey

Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates community service with academic instruction and structured reflection in such a way that students gain further understanding of course content, meet genuine community needs, develop career-related skills, and become responsible citizens.

Interesting, alternative approach to the lecture/discussion format
Fresh perspectives on student learning, including greater
understanding of how learning occurs
Motivated, student-centered teaching
Improved faculty-student interactions
Increased student enthusiasm and engagement in the course
Networking opportunities with colleagues across disciplines
Connection of the curriculum with the “real world”
Increased awareness of societal issues related to academic areas
Enhanced connections between teaching and research
Avenues for scholarship and publication, recognition and reward

Books and Journals
Chat Room and Discussion Board
Faculty Fellows and Liaisons
Faculty Resource Manual
Listserv
Reflection Leaders (Medford Scholars)
Teaching, Research, and Program Support

Center for Service Learning
273 Belk
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723 ● (828) 227-7184 servicelearning.wcu.edu

Student Learning and Development Outcomes
Related to Service Learning
Intellectual growth: Employ critical-thinking skills to address social issues in the community; use complex information from a variety of sources, including personal experience and observation, to form an opinion or make a decision; apply previously understood information and concepts to a new situation or setting
Effective communication: Write and speak coherently and effectively; listen effectively and be able to engage in controversy with civility; make presentations or give performances; be able to influence others through writing, speaking, or artistic expression
Career exploration: Articulate career choices based on an assessment of interests, values, skills, and abilities; document knowledge, skills, and accomplishments resulting from community-based learning; articulate the characteristics of a preferred work environment
Collaboration: Work cooperatively with others; seek the involvement of others; elicit feedback from others; contribute to the achievement of group goals
Social and civic responsibility: Demonstrate civic engagement in campus, local, national, and global communities; understand, abide by, and participate in the development, maintenance, and/or orderly change of community, social, and legal standards or norms; appropriately challenge unfair, unjust, or uncivil behavior of individuals or groups
Appreciation of diversity: Seek involvement with people different from oneself; articulate the advantages and challenges of a diverse society; challenge appropriately the abusive use of stereotypes by others; develop an informed perspective on issues of diversity and democracy; reflect on issues of power and privilege