What is service-learning?
The European Association for Service-Learning in Higher Education describes the following service-learning definition:
“Service-learning in higher education is an experiential educational pedagogy in which students engage in community service, reflect critically on this experience, and learn from it personally, socially and academically. The activities address human, social and environmental needs from the perspective of social justice and sustainable development, and aim at enriching learning in higher education, fostering civic responsibility and strengthening communities. Service-learning in is always recognize with ECTS credits. It brings together students, academics and the community whereby all become teaching resources, problem solvers and partners. In addition to enhancing academic and real world learning, the overall purpose of is to instil in students a sense of civic engagement and responsibility and work towards positive social change within society.”
As service-learning is a context-specific pedagogy, there are a wide variety of service-learning practices throughout Europe. What they do have in common, are 3 core elements:
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Students engage in a practical experience doing a service to a community, a community organizatio, or society as a whole.
COURSE CONTENT
The practical experience is integrated in the curriculum of the student, with specific links to the academic and professional content.
CRITICIAL REFLECTION
Students engage in structured and systematic reflection processes to learn from the practical experience in a personal, social and academic way.
A quality service-learning practice is an experience that meets at least the following criteria:
1. It integrates meaningful service and meets real needs of society
2. The service is integrated into the academic curriculum
3. Reflection is an integral part of the learning process
4. Community organizations are valued as partners
5. Students have a strong voice and an active role in the process