Service Learning
Service Learning, as defined by Learn and Serve America, "is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities."
At Hiram College, service learning courses:
- Provide academic content and experiences whose student-learning outcomes are enhanced by activities beyond the traditional classroom
- Provide service activities, which by design reinforce course learning objectives & enhance student learning
- Identify and provide a service, such as volunteering of time and giving of resources, to members of a local, national, global or ecological community
- Offer structured opportunities for reflection
- Enhance civic responsibility and create a broader understanding of opportunities for civic engagement within the discipline being taught
- Provide student preparation and support for service activities
- Respect and acknowledge the sustainability of the service and relationship with the community partner
- Maintain mutual respect and reciprocity between students and the community partner
- Include systems for student, course, and community partner evaluations
