Zlotkowski focused on the definition, many-sided dimensions, and application of service learning. He emphasized the importance of implementing service learning, or experiential learning, in a way that does not end up one sided for either the university or the community partner. Student involvement and academic pursuit serve a many-sided purpose. Students in effect become better citizens, learn the benefits of interacting with the community, reflect on what they've done, and become working scholars. Students need to become knowledge producers rather than knowledge consumers.
Students forget what they learned in class.
Students know the subject but are unable to use it in any practical way. The subject is learned, knowledge is retained, but there is no incentive to practice what's been learned. What is needed is to make the institutionalized service learning office work to help professors help their students and the community. Zlotkowski noted that beyond this, faculty must be trained how to use the office as well as how to teach students in new and experiential ways. He feels confident that service learning will flourish here because Loyola's dedication to the ideal of service to the community and social justice.