Classroom Learning: The Value Of Service-Learning

Service-learning reaches out beyond simple classroom learning by providing knowledge of real-life situations and deals with complex problems. The beneficial experience of service-learning will remain with someone for future situations. Appealing to both emotions and intellect, service-learning interests students for continuous learning. According to research, service-learning neither improves nor harms students’ abilities to learn. Therefore, the term “learn” must fit another definition in order to make service-learning superior to other forms of learning. The author’s main view is that service-learning provides a more prevalent way of learning that is deals with real-life situations. The author states, “She contrasted the nature of learning in school and the community where this learning will be applied, noting that unlike typical classroom learning, real-world learning tends to be more cooperative or communal than individualistic, involves using tools rather than …show more content…
Before reading this article, I simply saw service-learning as just a feel-good experience that was self-rewarding. Now I understand that the benefits of service-learning allow us to learn about the real-life aspects that are not found in schools. Although I have never reflected on service-learning in my life, I have learned the value of providing service to my community through volunteering to help the elderly at our local nursing home in my small town. The task I volunteered to do was help some elderly men and women move into their living quarters at the nursing home. Being young and strong, I was asked and up for the task. Seeing the smiles come across the faces of the elderly and the praise they gave me for helping them allowed me to learn the importance of helping others. This experience taught me that by helping others I can make a difference in my