The CivicMinded Companion - civic dictionary for people who are changing the world

	Service-learning: Beyond the definition

service-learning - A teaching methodology, and a type of classroom experience, at any level of education from elemenary school through college, that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities.

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International

The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership, Declaration of Principles

In 1990, the Corporation for National and Community Service conception of service-learning said that it:

* Promotes learning through active participation in service experiences
* Provides structured time for students to reflect by thinking, discussing and/or writing about their service experience
* Provides an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations
* Extends learning beyond the classroom and into the community
* Fosters a sense of caring for others (as adapted from the National and Community Service Act of 1990)

According to the National Commission on Service learning, service-learning:

* Links to academic content and standards
* Involves young people in helping to determine and meet real, defined community needs
* Is reciprocal in nature, benefiting both the community and the service providers by combining a service experience with a learning experience
* Can be used in any subject area so long as it is appropriate to learning goal
* Works at all ages, even among young children

Learn and Serve America is a program of the Corporation for National and Communty Service that supports service-learning and the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse.

National Service-Learning Partnership - "a nationwide network of members advancing service-learning as a core part of every young person's life and education."

Service-Learning United - "a growing alliance of state and national organizations that represent K-12 schools, tribes, community-based organizations, colleges and universities committed to increasing resources and recognition of service-learning."

Youth Service America - a national nonprofit organization dedicated to making service and service-learning the common expectation and experience of all young people in America.

Education Commission of the States/National Center for Learning and Citizenship - a project of the organization of chief state school officers to support school-based service and service-learning.

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