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Module 1 - Introducing Service-Learning
Lesson 6: The Benefits of Service-Learning
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| Activity 1: Relate
Potential Benefits to Sample Service Projects |
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The benefits to the community and the school when service-learning is introduced into the
academic curriculum cannot be underestimated. Schools and communities seek to build a commitment
that links students with the community and the community with the school. Service-learning
projects provide the opportunity to develop that commitment and build upon the relationships
between students, community members, and institutions.
Step One:
Study the Benefits to Students Table below:
Benefits to Students:
Personal Growth
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Increased personal responsibility
- Increased sense of personal efficacy
Career Development
- Active exploration of career interests
- Understanding of the world of work
- Specific job skills
- Hiring advantage over others
- Greater confidence in career choice
Social Development
- Increased interpersonal skills
- Increased tolerance/support for diversity
- Engagement in other volunteer activities
- Indication of future community participation
Academic/Cognitive
- Belief that service is a positive learning experience
- Better grades
- Persistence to graduation
- Problem solving and critical thinking skills
(The findings in this table were taken from research conducted in kindergarten through
college-level classrooms, by Cairn & Kielsmeir, 1991)
A Summary of Reciprocating Benefits Derived from Service-Learning Projects include:
- Students contribute to community development and renewal.
- Recipients benefit from direct aid provided by students.
- Students become invested in their communities.
- Agencies receive an infusion of creativity and enthusiasm from participating youth.
- Youth are seen as one of the community's greatest resources.
- Communities and schools build links that continue into the future.
Step Two:
Go to the Toolbox and read the article,
"The Impact of Service-learning on Youth, Schools, and Communities"
 Entry #11
In your Journal, COPY the simple chart below. Assess the potential benefits that could
come from the identified service-learning projects listed below. List 3 probable student
outcome/benefits and 3 community outcome/benefits for each. Be ready to discuss these
benefits with the class.
| Project |
Benefits to Student |
Benefits to Community |
| Homeless Shelter |
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| Daycare Program |
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| Red Cross Program |
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| Cross-age Tutoring |
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| Senior Citizen Home |
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| (add project) |
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From reading the article in Step Two, discuss your perceptions of the concept, "civic and
social responsibility." Why is this an important aspect of education?
Step Three:
E-mail this journal entry to your instructor as an attachment.
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