Benefits of Using Academic Service-Learning

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• Encourage interactive teaching methods and reciprocal learning between students and faculty
• Add new insights and dimensions to class discussions
• Lead to new avenues for research and publication
• Promote students' active learning; engage students with different learning styles
• Promote students opportunities to directly apply course content to theory, thus creating a deeper level of understanding
• Develop students' civic and leadership skills
• Boost course enrollment by attracting highly motivated and engaged students
• Provide networking opportunities with engaged faculty in other disciplines
• Foster relationships between faculty and Binghamton area community organizations, which can open other opportunities for collaborative work.
• Provide firsthand knowledge of community issues; provide opportunities to be more involved in community issues.

Below are a list of resources that illustrate how integrating service-learning into the classroom can benefit faculty, students, and community:

• Astin, A. W., Vogelgesang, L. G., Ikeda, E. K., & Yee, J. A. (2000). How service-learning affects students. Higher Education Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles.
  Click here to view article
  


• Driscoll, A., Holland, B., Gelmon, S., & Kerrigan, S. (1996). An assessment model for service-learning: Comprehensive case studies of impact on faculty, students, community and institution. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 3(1), 66-71
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• Eyler, J., Giles, Jr., D. E., Stenson, C. M., & Gray, C. J. (2001). At a glance: What we know about the effects of service learning on college students, faculty, institutions, and communities, 1993-2000: Third Edition. Vanderbilt University
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• Moely, B. E., McFarland, M., Miron, D., Mercer, S., Ilustre, V. (2002). Changes in College Students’ Attitudes and Intentions for Civic Involvement as a Function of Service-Learning Experiences. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 9, 18-26.
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• Seifer, S. D. (2002). NSLC fact sheet: The evidence base for service-learning. Scotts Valley, CA: National Service-Learning Clearinghouse.
  Click here to view article (Adapted from Community Service-Learning Center, University of Minnesota)