Service Learning

Abstract

The following review of literature explores the origin of Service Learning back to John Dewey and Paulo Friere and connects it to the more recent phenomenon of campus community partnerships. Service Learning in health education, as well as many other academic disciplines, is designed to engage the university with the community in ways that enhance students' academic experiences, and simultaneously serve the needs of the community. The review identifies a compilation of research that has been conducted on Service Learning and how it affects students, faculty, communities, and institutions. Service Learning is, however, far from being standard on our college and university campuses, and barriers to its institutionalization will be explored. The implications regarding the integration of Service Learning in the development of entry-level health educators is reviewed in relationship to the important standards set by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.