How to Make Service Learning Work.

Service learning is a type of experiential learning which provides the students the opportunity to work with community partners on service projects which align with course objectives. In “Academic Service Learning: Its Meaning and Relevance”, Kathleen Maas Weigert outlined six elements of service learning: (1) the service students provide is meaningful to the community; (2) the service meets a need or goal within a community; and (3) this need or goal is described by a community (usually the community partner), (4) the service aligns with the course objectives; (5) some form of reflection is required in the assignments; and (6) the assignment is assessed and evaluated.