Q. How is service-learning different from community service and internships?

A. The primary beneficiary of community service is the recipient of the service; whereas, the primary beneficiary of an internship is most often the student, who gets hands-on experience. In service-learning, a student learns in a hands-on model while providing a service that benefits the common good.

Q. What is the advantage of taking (or teaching) a service-learning course?

A. Studies indicate that students forget half of what they learn passively, but they remember 90% when they DO the "real thing." The Astin HERI study indicated that service participation showed significant positive effects on all its outcome measurements, including: GPA, writing skills, critical thinking, values, self-efficacy, and leadership. Besides, service-learning classes are more fun!

Q. How are students graded in a service-learning class?

A. It depends on the class and the instructor, but generally the amount of service is not the important part. Academic credit is awarded for the learning that comes from the experience. The learning may be measured by projects, papers, presentations, journals, or other methods.

Q. What kinds of service can students do?

A. The nature of the service varies with the discipline….from grant writing and tutoring in composition classes to building playgrounds in engineering classes. The service may be in the form of a project such as a marketing plan for a non-profit or weekly mentoring at an agency or school.

Q. Are service-learning classes harder?

A. Service-learning is not an add-on activity. It is an experiential way to achieve learning goals. The time required outside class is likely to be similar to other more conventional independent learning activities like term papers. Many students find that hands-on learning is more engaging and service more meaningful than typical learning exercises.

Q. How can service-learning help students?

A. Students who learn best by "doing" often perform better in service-learning classes. Critical thinking skills are also developed by recognizing and participating in solving problems, skills that employers demand. As the job market changes, many graduate school and job applications are asking for community service experience.

Q. I would like to include service-learning in my course’s curriculum but I’m not sure where to start. What resources are available on campus to get me up to speed on service-learning?

A. Contact the Office for Diversity Enhancement. It is the facilitating agency for academic service-learning at SDSU. Its website offers a listing of online resources. The Center is located at 823 Medary Ave. You can call the Center at 688-6004.