The Academic, Social, and Psychological Impacts of Service Learning

To be true service learning, the student must have direct contact with a population or an environment and must learn from that involvement. For the student, intentionally designed reflection serves as the vehicle to forward the teacher/learner role. Reflection requires the student to step away from the service, to examine observations, many of which are sensual, to think critically about the event, and to share those reflections, orally or in writing. The Academic, Social and Psychological Impacts of Service Learning will guide readers and students to develop a deeper understanding of the issues present in their local and world communities, enhance critical-thinking skill, realize the sociopolitical effects on each issue, acquire a sense of social responsibility and active citizenship, and gain awareness of the true meaning of diversity and empathy. Although the hands-on experience of serving can produce an impact, it is only through reflection—the posing and answering of self-directed questions—that the verified learning occurs. In addition, the process engenders self-examination, which can lead to personal growth and maturity for students.