What is service learning?
In its ideal form, service learning takes faculty, staff and students and makes us part of the community. The idea is that we have much to learn from each other and that in the process, we can help each other.
The SERVICE part is doing something that the community would like us to do. It begins with a partnership with a neighborhood, a community organization, a government agency, or group of people. Those from the community tell us what their needs, problems, strengths and aspirations are -- and how we might be able to help. Then we commit to working with them as equal partners to understand an issue, change it, publicize it -- whatever the situation calls for.
THE LEARNING part is making connections between our theories, work and practice in academia and the "real world." For example, a student may learn and remember a lot more about chemistry if her textbook lessons are applied to understanding pollution in a creek that has local residents worried. Another student may see that a sociological theory that looked ideal on paper is messier in a live situation - and thus have a much richer understanding of the strengths and limitations of that theory. Yet another student might learn how helping people dramatize an important, untold story via a play can empower people and improve their lives. In the midst of such deep explorations, students also are likely to learn a lot about what careers they would like to pursue (and they'll have something on their resumes to help them move toward a profession).
There are many varieties of service learning. As Sigmon (1996) notes, SERVICE-learning makes the service the primary experience. For example, students in a club might clean a creek at someone's request. Of course, one can learn from any experience, but the academic gains from a cleanup are likely to be limited.
On the other hand, service-LEARNING puts the focus on what those at UNCA gain from the experience. In some internships, for example, the community graciously allows students to observe workplaces (such as a psychological clinic) in action. The students learn a great deal, but their service to the organization is limited.
On the other hand, SERVICE-LEARNING equally emphasizes both aspects of the process. It follows a win-win perspective in that the service assists the community, while students learn lessons they can't get from reading or classroom experiences.
The Key Center recognizes that there are times and places for all types of service learning. But we place our focus on helping faculty and community members come together to create SERVICE LEARNING.
