Service-learning is a credit-bearing, educational experience in which students: 1) participate in an organized service activity that meets identified on- and off-campus community needs and 2) 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 civic responsibility (Committee Minutes, January 25, 2001).

What it isn’t!

Unlike volunteering through church groups or student organizations, service-learning is a course-based service experience that produces the best results when meaningful service activities are related to course materials.

Unlike internships, service-learning is a classroom-related exposure to careers in the real world rather than a capstone experience at the end of one’s studies. It also places the student into a community agency for 15-40 hours of service during a semester, allowing the student to carry a normal academic load of other major and general education classes, and has no financial benefits for the student.

The best of both worlds.

Service-learning combines the experiences of Christian service with the benefits of academic study through exposure to real-life issues and solutions within a discipline. Students can also strengthen their employment opportunities through 1) citing these service-learning activities on their resumes and 2) gaining valuable insights into future careers.

What happens in effective service-learning activities?

• Student learning is enhanced by joining theory with experience, and thought with action.
  
• Community needs are met through direct service that is meaningful and relevant.
  
• Students help others, give of themselves and enter into caring relationships.
  
• Students see the relevance of their academic studies to the real world.
  
• The civic and citizenship skills of the students are enhanced.
  
• Students are better prepared for their careers and continued education.
  
  
  

Examples of Existing Service-Learning Offerings at BYU-Idaho.

• A Business English instructor has her students create promotional literature and business documents for a Free
  
• Clinic site which offers free medical assistance to low-income families.
  
• An Income Tax Accounting class includes a service-learning experience by offering free tax advice to campus students and faculty.
  
• A Marriage Preparation course includes a presentation by the Family Crisis Center. What they learn becomes the
  
• basis for lessons which students in the class then give to friends and roommates on behalf of the Family Crisis Center.
  
• To teach the value of record keeping for future generations, a Book of Mormon class has students help elderly individuals write their life stories and then publish them.