Definition of Service Learning

Though there is not a single accepted definition for service learning, many scholars have articulated basic pillars. Most agree that service learning is an active partnership between students and the community to the mutual advantage of both. Service Learning ties real world problems to classroom knowledge.

Dan Butin have listed criterea they see as essential for service learning.

Dan Butin's 4 R's of Service Learning

 * 1) Respect- Students understand why they are there and respect the community they are serving. This means that they act politely and abely and take their work seriously. It also means that teachers must help their students avoid thinking paternalistically about their clients.
 * 2) Reciprocity- Students receive valuable experience and insight while they are performing these tasks. Similarly, the community meaningfully benefits in some way from the service. Some view reciprocity as the major goal of service learning.
 * 3) Relevence- The learning must be relevent to course work and tie into curricula and core knowledge in a meaningful way. Good service learning provides students a chance to hone and develop knowledge gained in the classroom.
 * 4) Reflection- Students must be aware and think critically of the work they do in the community. Without activly thinking about why they are performing service or what they are gaining from it, service learning will not have lasting impact.