Service Learning for our Students
Service Learning is the term used to describe a community-based approach to education that combines meaningful community service, critical reflection, and civic education to enhance the academic learning in a particular course. As a student at Fairfield, you may:
- Engage in direct service with populations in the community related to the course learning objectives
- Bring professional skills to non-profit agencies
- Engage in a collaborative research project to advocate change or solve problems
In contrast to volunteer work, service learning is an academically rigorous, credit-bearing experience. Reflection is essential, as is the development of partnerships with the community based on cooperative education for the common good.
Through service learning, you have the opportunity to:
- Enhance your understanding of classroom concepts by putting them into practice
- Utilize individual and unique skills and talents to work in solidarity with the community to create a more just and equitable world
- Develop a reflective practice that enables you to think critically about specific structural injustices, as well as a broad range of situations you may face throughout your life
The Office of Service Learning supports students by:
- Identifying appropriate community organizations in relation to service-learning courses
- Creating connections to service-learning internship opportunities
- Finding student leadership and mentorship opportunities
Look for Service Learning Courses in the Course Booklet (designated as SERL)
Adrian Kirby Literacy Project '06