What is Service-learning?

Service-learning is an instructional method that combines formal coursework with thoughtfully organized community service experiences. Service-learning addresses community-identified needs while helping students meet academic, social and civic learning goals. Through it students gain a greater understanding of social issues while civic responsibility and caring are fostered.

Through service learning and guided reflection, students learn about themselves and their relationship to the community around them. Service-learning allows students to engage with real-world issues and social problems, and to work with community organizations to become "part of the solution."

Characteristics of service-learning are as follows:

• Course relevant service which benefits the community.
• Single day events to several hours a week per semester.
• Reflection - writing, reading, speaking, listening, group discussions.
• Academic credit for demonstrating learning achieved through the service, not just for putting in hours.

Go to www.mdc.edu/cci and click on “SERVICE-LEARNING WEB-BASED STUDENT APPLICATION”.