What is Service-Learning?

 

Service-learning is an approach to teaching and learning that links academic coursework with service experiences in the community!

 

Duke service-learning courses involve structured service experiences that occur outside of class time but are integrated with the academic objectives of the course, for example:

• In Spanish 106A, Spanish for the Health Professions, Duke students improve their health-specific language skills while working with local organizations to enhance the provision of medical information to the Latino population.
• Students in Education courses have explored topics such as literacy, learning theories, and educational policy while tutoring or mentoring local schoolchildren.
• In Environmental Science and Policy 171, Food & Energy, Duke students work with on-campus clients to do research and evaluation projects aimed at decreasing Duke’s carbon footprint through changes in dining practice.

 

Faculty members who teach service-learning courses arrange specific service opportunities that both enhance the educational goals of a course and serve the public good by providing a needed service in the community.

 

Students taking service-learning courses commit to completing a certain number of hours of service work outside of class, and to reflecting on this work through class discussions and assignments.

 

Community partners receive assistance from students and often enjoy the intellectual stimulation of collaborating with Duke faculty members and students to support the academic goals of the course.

 

Service-learning goes beyond volunteer community service: through structured reflection and analysis, you will integrate your service experience with the intellectual content of the course!

 

Why Service-Learning?

 

Service-Learning courses can help you...

 

• Become more active in the local community
• Explore a career
• Connect theory and practice
• Integrate service with undergraduate research
• Develop critical thinking, cross-cultural competency, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Engage collaboratively with faculty members
• Find your voice!

 

How can I get involved?

• Register for a course! Search ACES for service-learning courses today.
• Join our mailing list.Click here or e-mail us to receive periodic announcements about service-learning courses and other service opportunities at Duke.
• Contact us. We’d be glad to know of your interest and to speak with you.