Welcome to the Service Learning Homepage

What is Service Learning?

Bethel students participate in a “Learn to Serve and Serve to Learn” theological model exemplifying Christ’s commission on servant leadership.  Students offer direct service to community organizations and residents as a component of an academic course and their spiritual quest.  Application of service-learning to real-life experiences, gaining the value of civic engagement, together with classroom theories and lessons, builds not only a greater understanding of the curriculum but a sense of community empowerment as well.  A successful service-learning experience includes the following:

• Service-learning that is clearly  connected to the desired academic concepts and learning objectives  
• Service-learning that meets a  genuine community need 
• Service-learning that establishes  reciprocal relationships between residents, Bethel and community organizations,  allowing parties to benefit from the experience 
• Service-learning that requires  students’ reflection on of their experience.

What Makes Service Learning Different?

Community Service and Volunteerism
On average, with community service and volunteerism, there are no definite learning objectives.  While activities often provide a great learning experience, there are no measurable, defined academic goals. Bethel’s service-learning activities must be characterized by carefully spelled out learning objectives.

Internships and Field Education
Internships and field education experience apply previously gained knowledge, to real world situations, with focus on professional training.  Service objectives are usually not built into such opportunities.  One of the key components of service-learning is a set of definite service objectives.  At Bethel, service-learning that incorporates civic engagement, practice of citizenship and sensitivity to community issues are what distinguishes service-learning from field experience.

Five Important Characteristics of Service Learning

1. COMMUNITY SERVICE: The basis for Service Learning--community service--is a vehicle for the achievement of specific educational goals and objectives.
   
   
2. RECIPROCITY: Service Learning is based on a reciprocal relationship in which the service reinforces and strengthens the learning, and the learning reinforces and strengthens the service.
   
   
3. FLEXIBILITY: Service Learning is flexible: It may be used as a practicum, an optional assignment, or a series of assignments. It may also be a requirement, depending on course objectives. It is a flexible concept, designed to help teachers teach and students learn.
   
   
4. REFLECTION: Faculty design Service Learning courses to provide structured time for students to reflect on their service and learning experiences through activities like writing, reading, speaking, listening, and creating.
   
   
5. ASSESSMENT: Evaluation in a Service Learning course focuses on quality of learning and match with teaching objectives, rather than quantity of service.

Five Steps to get started in Service Learning

If you are a  Bethel Faculty Member:

• Decide how Service Learning can  help you realize your teaching objectives 
• Design Service Learning into your  course 
• Contact the Off-Campus Programs Office, Community Partnership, at 651.635.8693

If you are a  Bethel  Student:

• Talk with your instructor and  advisor about service-learning opportunities at  Bethel 
• Contact the Off-Campus Programs  Office, Community Partnership, at 651.635.8693 to see how “Learn to  Serve and Serve to Learn” can become a reality in your  life.