First, as a part of their coursework, students engage in some form of significant contact with the surrounding community, providing services under the auspices of a community service agency. Then, the students reflect upon their experience in the context of the course subject matter. Rather, through service learning, students and faculty collaborate with communities gaining knowledge and skills and advancing personal development. There is an equal emphasis on helping communities and providing valid learning experiences for students.
Students have the opportunity to reflect critically upon their experiences.
The service provided meets a need identified by the community that is served. Those receiving the service have significant involvement over the work of the students. Service Learning at the university level is becoming increasingly widespread throughout the United States, gaining a strong following of advocates who care deeply about effective teaching and learning. Faculty in colleges and universities as diverse as Georgetown University, Clemson University, Florida State University, Stanford University, and Pennsylvania State University are employing service learning as a teaching methodology. Learning is enhanced when students must apply abstract concepts to solve concrete problems.