Western State College of Colorado

Benefits of Service Learning

(adapted from the CSU Service Integration Project Faculty Manual)

The Student Benefits through...

• hands-on use of skills; increases relevance of academic lessons

• opportunities that accommodate different learning styles

• interaction with people of diverse cultures and lifestyles

• increased sense of self-efficacy, analytical skills, and social development

• opportunities for meaningful involvement within the local community

• increased civic responsibility

• valuable and competitive career guidance and experience - making community contacts

• "Certain lessons cannot be learned in the classroom."

The Faculty Benefits through...

• inspiration and invigoration of teaching methods

• increased student contact through greater emphasis on student-centered teaching

• a new perspective on learning and an increased understanding of how learning occurs

• connecting the community with the curriculum and becoming more aware of current societal issues as they relate to academic areas of interest; awareness of community issues that need to be addressed

• "It changes faculty role from expert on top to the expert on tap."

The Community Benefits through...

• access to university resources

• positive relationship opportunities with the university

• awareness-building of community issues, agencies, and constituents

• affordable access to professional development

• short and long term solutions to pressing community needs

• "It shifts from community as laboratory to community as classroom."

The College Benefits through...

• enhanced teaching, research, and outreach activities

• faculty and student engagement in local and state community issues

• opportunities to extend college knowledge and resources

• positive community relationships

• increased preparation of college graduates

• "It serves to light the fire rather than fill the bucket."