What is Service-Learning at UCA?
Service-Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. (National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, Retrieved, February 24, 2013 http://www.servicelearning.org/what-service-learning.)
Service-Learning Faculty Fellows Program Application (.doc) (.pdf)
Research on service-learning has shown that service-learning positively impacts:
- Academic performance, including GPA, cognitive development, critical thinking skills, writing skills, and problem analysis.
- Applying what students learn to the real world.
- Understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
- Interpersonal development, leadership/communication skills, and the ability to work well with others.
- Sense of social responsibility, as well as commitment to activism and increased citizenship skills.
- Clarity of career goals, as well as plans to participate in service after college.
*Source: Astin, A.W., Vogelgesang, L. J., Ikeda, E. K., and Yee, J.A. 2000. "How Service Learning Affects Students." Los Angeles: University of California, Higher Education Research Institute.