HIP Service Learning

Service Learning

Service Learning is one of UWG’s High-Impact Practices (HIPs) and supports the university’s broader commitment to experiential learning and career readiness. These experiences help students connect academic learning with meaningful community engagement, apply course concepts in real contexts, and reflect on the relationship between knowledge, responsibility, and civic life.

The Service Learning Designation

Service-learning is defined as “a course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students (a) participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and (b) reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility.” The University of West Georgia defines Service Learning as a structured teaching and learning strategy within a course that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and address community priorities. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

At UWG, Service Learning is intended to support both student learning and community impact. The planning materials indicate that instructors should be equipped with the knowledge and resources to ensure that the community need is identified by the community being served, that students engage in critical reflection, that the service aligns with academic learning outcomes for credit, and that the work is built on a mutually beneficial partnership between faculty and community partners. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

 

Core Elements of Service Learning

  • The need is identified by the community being served.
  • Students engage in critical reflection.
  • The service aligns with student learning outcomes for which the student receives academic credit.
  • The experience is built as a mutually beneficial partnership that balances student learning with service to the community, with community partners and faculty collaboratively planning service-learning projects.

 

Related Resources

 

Frequently Asked Questions