Hallmarks of Service-Learning
“High impact practices are…at the heart of a liberal education. Equally important, all of the evidence so far suggests that they benefit all students. At the same time, while promising, they are not a panacea. Only when they are implemented well and continually evaluated to be sure they are accessible to and reaching all students will we realize their considerable potential.” (Kuh, 2010, p. xiii)
When done well, service-learning exhibits the following six hallmarks:
- Integrated Learning: There is a clear link between the community service and academic content.
- High Quality Service: Projects are meaningful, well organized, and address a community-identified need.
- Collaboration: Students, faculty, and community partners all have an integral role to play in the planning and implementation of the project.
- Civic Responsibility: Projects promote student responsibility for community well-being.
- Reflection: Structured time or assignments allow students to analyze the experience and course connections.
- Evaluation & Assessment: Students, faculty, and community partners participate in evaluating the project or course.