Purpose of Academic Service Learning

Academic Service-Learning is a teaching/learning methodology that can be integrated into any course. The purpose of academic service-learning is to enhance traditional classroom study by supplementing it with community service that is relevant to the subject material and meaningful to the community. Service-learning also has a civic learning element, offering students the knowledge, skills, and values they will need for well-rounded civic engagement. The list below may contribute to a better understanding of ASL.

For more information about Academic Service-Learning, go to our resources page for ASL websites, articles, and books.

Picking up trash by a riverbank is service.

Studying water samples under a microscope is learning.

When students collect and analyze water samples and the local pollution control agency uses the findings to clean up a river... that is academic service-learning.

For more information about Academic Service-Learning, go to our resources page for ASL Web site, articles and books.

[courtesy of the National Youth Leadership Council]