Saturday February 11, 2012
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SERVICE LEARNING CLUB

Some Helpful Information On Service Learning

Definition of Service Learning
Service-Learning is a form of experiential learning where students apply academic knowledge and critical thinking skills to address genuine community needs. (Pam and James Toole, 1994)

1. Students meet genuine needs through direct service, with opportunities both on an off campus.  Service Learning experiences offer consequences for both the students and the population they are serving.
2. Students make decisions regarding the projects they choose and how they serve, in order to continue to develop the individual student as a unique volunteer.  Those opportunities offered through Campus Ministry are connected to meeting some aspect of one or more of the eight Millennium Development Goals and try to tie in with the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching. 
3. Campus Ministry attempts to offer a wide range of volunteer options for students.  Service Learning values diversity not only in what is offered but also in its student participants, its practices and its outcomes. 
4. Students are prepared prior to giving service so that they know both what is expected of them and why the service is needed.  Additionally, students will then reflect on and discuss their specific experiences and the needs that their service has addressed.  They will further reflect on how the needs they met could be eliminated through social change and what actions could be taken to bring about those changes.