Service Learning

We view the service-learning pedagogy to be the root system in an educational reform movement that has been growing in the U.S. for over two decades. Using the ancient metaphor of the tree of knowledge, we identify four branches of educational outcomes that are associated with the service-learning reform movement: enhancement of disciplinary-based competencies, development of social and personal responsibility, fostering intercultural competencies, and civic engagement.

Service learning, volunteerism, and experiential learning share many similar benefits and qualities, yet service learning differs from volunteerism and other experiential opportunities. Service learning is connected to academic subject matters and the learning outcomes and goals of specific courses through thoughtful and intentional reflection. It links the students’ service experiences to the course content and learning objectives. As a teaching and learning strategy, service learning provides a framework for teachers and students to work as communal participants in a shared search for that which is both known and unknown about a given subject.

Butler’s conception of service learning aligns with practices at the national level. The National Service Learning Clearinghouse, for example, offers the following definition of service learning:

"Service-learning combines service objectives with learning objectives with the intent that the activity changes both the recipient and the provider of the service. This is accomplished by combining service tasks with structured opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-discovery, and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content."

Similarly, our use of service learning aligns with educational outcomes set forth in the National and Community Service Act of 1990:

• Promotes learning through active participation in service experiences
• Provides structured time for students to reflect by thinking, discussing and/or writing about their service experience
• Provides an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations
• Extends learning beyond the classroom and into the community
• Fosters a sense of caring for others (as adapted from the National and Community Service Act of 1990)

Service Learning at Butler University

Since 1996, when the Center of Citizenship and Community was founded by Margaret Brabant, service learning offerings have expanded. Today, over 30 service-learning courses are offered each semester, involving approximately 500 students in 2007-2008 school year alone. One third of all departments have offered service-learning courses, and new courses are being developed regularly. For a more detailed service learning data, please click on the link of the Comprehensive Service Learning Catalog – (2004-2007)

Service Learning Volunteerism and Co-Curricular Service

Volunteerism and co-curricular service often embody similar objectives as service learning but without the framework of the classroom. They serve to enhance student learning. Co-curricular service can vary along a broad continuum of commitment. At Butler, this spectrum ranges from one-touch experiences such as the Bulldogs into the Streets (BITS) program to weekly commitments in organizations such as College Mentors for Kids (CMFK) to in-depth, fully integrated programs such as Ambassadors of Change (AOC) and Fall Alternative Break (FAB). Co-curricular service allows students to explore their service-based interests without the added expectations (or burden) of academic credit.

The Office of Volunteerism and Service-Based Education (OVSBE) is charged as the primary office for developing, supporting and coordinating programs of co-curricular service and volunteerism as they relate to student development.

By conceptualizing service learning and co-curricular service activities as complementary, the university is positioned to meet the need for more service-based experiential education opportunities on campus and realize the ethos of service that is a hallmark of a Butler education.