Elements of Service-Learning

Integrated Learning—the service and academic content inform each other.

High Quality Service—responds to needs recognized by the community; is appropriate to the level of the course, and well-organized.

Collaboration—all have an equal role in the planning, execution, and benefits of the partnership.

Civic responsibility—the experience promotes students’ responsibility and understanding of how to care for others and contribute to our community.

Reflection—occurs before, during, and after the project, and establishes connections between the service experiences and academic curriculum.

Assessment & Evaluation—all parties are involved in assessing the partnership, and systems are in place to evaluate how effectively students have met the learning and service goals.

Youth Service California, 2000