Service Learning Overview
Section outline
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Service Learning student at our Community Partner Eco LifeWhat is Service Learning?
Service learning is a high-impact teaching practice that incorporates community work into the curriculum, giving students real-world learning experiences that enhance their academic learning while providing a tangible benefit for the community.
—adapted from Campus Compact (Compact.org)
CSUSM Academic Senate considers a course to be Service Learning if:
- the service relates to the academic learning objectives of the course
- the service is tied to academic content through reflection
- the SL component accounts for no less than 15% of the course grade
Service Learning focuses on both the needs of the community partner and the course learning objectives.
Experiential Learning Continuum
How Do Students Benefit from Service Learning?
Learning outcomes—deeper understanding of course material, positive impact on student engagement, GPA, retention, and graduation rates
Personal outcomes—enhances leadership, collaboration, communication skills
Social outcomes—appreciation of diversity, cultural competence, empathy, civic engagement
