BLOG #6

Service-learning is a structured learning experience that combines community service with preparation and reflection. Students engaged in service-learning provide community service in response to community-identified concerns and learn about the context in which service is provided, the connection between their service and their academic coursework, and their roles as citizens. Service-learning differs from traditional clinical education in the health professions in that service-learning strives to achieve a balance between service and learning objectives - in service-learning, partners must negotiate the differences in their needs and expectations.Service-learning places an emphasis on addressing community concerns and broad determinants of health. In service-learning, there is the integral involvement of community partners - service-learning involves a principle-centered partnership between communities and health professions schools. Service-learning emphasizes reciprocal learning - In service-learning, traditional definitions of "faculty," "teacher" and "learner" are intentionally blurred. We all learn from each other. Service-learning emphasizes reflective practice - In service-learning, reflection facilitates the connection between practice and theory and fosters critical thinking.Service-learning places and emphasis on developing citizenship skills and achieving social change - many factors influence health and quality of life. The provision of health services is not often the most important factor. In service-learning, students place their roles as health professionals and citizens in a larger societal context. Service-learning offers a unique opportunity for America's young people -- from kindergarten to college students -- to get involved with their communities in a tangible way by integrating service projects with classroom learning. Service-learning engages students in the educational process, using what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems.  Students not only learn about democracy and citizenship, they become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform. I expect to gain every opportunity I can that’s beneficial from service learning by implementing all educational tactics and devices I've learned, which will travel and carry along with me wherever my future takes in me in any position and company or organization.