What are the benefits of service-learning for students?
Service-learning can increase students’ understanding, both of the content of the course and of the needs and issues of the community in which the service-learning project is implemented. Service-learning can also stimulate conversation among students and between students and faculty, which may lead to a deeper understanding of the issues encountered. Service-learning may also help students become more aware of issues and needs in their community, develop empathy toward others and social responsibility , clarify their personal values and beliefs, strengthen their self-esteem and self-confidence, and help foster a sense of caring for others. These “intangible” goals of service-learning should be included in course goals and objectives whenever possible.
