Service Learning

Service learning is a rapidly growing teaching and learning strategy in American high schools. It combines three elements: students perform meaningful community service that is systematically integrated with instruction and then combined with reflection in order to “enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities” (National Service Learning Clearinghouse).

In recent years, service learning has been introduced in an estimated 44% of American high schools. Research has shown that service learning can increase students’ civic engagement, improve attendance, increase test scores, promote content area knowledge, and help to reduce the achievement gap.