Baylor > Community Service > About Service Learning
The Department of Student Activities aims to promote service as a central part of the educational environment at Baylor University. Several million students participate in service learning projects each year, and studies show that students engaged in service learning demonstrate improved academic achievement, vocational preparation, feelings of self-efficacy, and civic engagement. We strive to support faculty, students, staff, and administrators as they develop vibrant service learning projects, connect with the local, national, and international community, raise awareness about pressing societal issues, and enhance academic objectives.
What is Service Learning?
Service learning is a course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs, and 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 (Bringle and Hatcher, 1995). A service learning activity meets academic objectives; it is not an "add-on," but rather a text of the course.
Why is Service Learning Important?
Service learning provides meaningful ways for students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community agencies and members to move together with deliberate thought and action toward a common purpose that has mutual benefits (Kaye, 2004).
Students benefit academically, socially, and emotionally; apply skills and knowledge from coursework; reflect more deeply on the meaning of their academic work within a "real world" context; explore various career options and examine their sense of call; and have a heightened appreciation of civic responsibility and active participation in the community (Eyler, et al., 2001).
Service learning has a positive impact on student personal development: personal efficacy, personal identity, spiritual growth, moral development; interpersonal development: ability to work with others, leadership skills, communication skills; social outcomes: reducing stereotypes, facilitating cultural and racial understanding, social responsibility and civic engagement, ongoing commitment to service after graduation (Eyler, et al., 2001).
Long-Term Effects of Volunteerism-Five Years After Graduation (Astin, Sax, & Avalos, 1999)
• Students who participate in community service continue their service after college
• The magnitude of service done in college increases the likelihood of continued service after college
• College service has a significant, positive effect on the following variables: – Degree completion
– Attending graduate school
– Donating money to alma mater
– Socializing with someone from a different ethnic/racial group
– Helping others in difficulty
– Participating in community action programs
– Participating in environmental cleanup
– Developing a meaningful philosophy of life
– Belief that alma mater "prepared me well for work."
How Does the Department of Student Activities Support Service Learning Initiatives at Baylor? In order to support the mission of Baylor University and the 2012 Visioning Imperatives, enhance the academic rigor of courses and the educational experiences of students, encourage the teaching and research goals of faculty, and nurture partnerships within the Waco community, our staff provides a range of services, including:
About Service Learning
Service Learning
"Real learning gets to the heart of what it means to be human. Through learning we re-create ourselves. Through learning we re-perceive the world and our relationship to it. Throuh learning we extend our capacity to create, to be part of the generative process. There is within each of us a deep hunger for this type of learning."-Peter M. Senge
Service Learning at Baylor
MissionThe Department of Student Activities aims to promote service as a central part of the educational environment at Baylor University. Several million students participate in service learning projects each year, and studies show that students engaged in service learning demonstrate improved academic achievement, vocational preparation, feelings of self-efficacy, and civic engagement. We strive to support faculty, students, staff, and administrators as they develop vibrant service learning projects, connect with the local, national, and international community, raise awareness about pressing societal issues, and enhance academic objectives.
What is Service Learning?
Service learning is a course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs, and 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 (Bringle and Hatcher, 1995). A service learning activity meets academic objectives; it is not an "add-on," but rather a text of the course.
Why is Service Learning Important?
Service learning provides meaningful ways for students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community agencies and members to move together with deliberate thought and action toward a common purpose that has mutual benefits (Kaye, 2004).
Students benefit academically, socially, and emotionally; apply skills and knowledge from coursework; reflect more deeply on the meaning of their academic work within a "real world" context; explore various career options and examine their sense of call; and have a heightened appreciation of civic responsibility and active participation in the community (Eyler, et al., 2001).
Service learning has a positive impact on student personal development: personal efficacy, personal identity, spiritual growth, moral development; interpersonal development: ability to work with others, leadership skills, communication skills; social outcomes: reducing stereotypes, facilitating cultural and racial understanding, social responsibility and civic engagement, ongoing commitment to service after graduation (Eyler, et al., 2001).
Long-Term Effects of Volunteerism-Five Years After Graduation (Astin, Sax, & Avalos, 1999)
• Students who participate in community service continue their service after college
• The magnitude of service done in college increases the likelihood of continued service after college
• College service has a significant, positive effect on the following variables: – Degree completion
– Attending graduate school
– Donating money to alma mater
– Socializing with someone from a different ethnic/racial group
– Helping others in difficulty
– Participating in community action programs
– Participating in environmental cleanup
– Developing a meaningful philosophy of life
– Belief that alma mater "prepared me well for work."
How Does the Department of Student Activities Support Service Learning Initiatives at Baylor? In order to support the mission of Baylor University and the 2012 Visioning Imperatives, enhance the academic rigor of courses and the educational experiences of students, encourage the teaching and research goals of faculty, and nurture partnerships within the Waco community, our staff provides a range of services, including:
• Community Organization Placements and Logistical Support
• Workshops
• Resources for Course Development
• Reflection Strategies
• Sample Syllabi and Service Learning Examples
• Service Learning Mentors
• Service Learning and Community-Based Research Outlets
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Baylor University Waco, Texas 76798 1-800-BAYLOR-U
Baylor University Waco, Texas 76798 1-800-BAYLOR-U