Service learning

Service learning (SL) is an educational methodology whereby a student designs a project that combines learning processes and service to the community.

The goal of SL projects is to detect real needs of the environment in order to improve it. One of its characteristics is the training of socially responsible professionals, since, together with learning the contents, skills and abilities pertaining to each degree, civic and social engagement is developed through reflective practice. Service learning is, therefore, an educational project with social utility.

How does it work?

A characteristic feature of SL is that both teacher and student can propose a project that is relevant and significant for the acquisition of skills for the student’s professional future.

The first step is to identify a real service of society, be it an institution or a company, that has a need. Then it is necessary to establish:
- Planning (collaboration agreement, calendar and tasks)
- Follow-up to develop the project (academic tutoring and mentoring by the project entity)

In the event that the project is carried out within the framework of a subject, the evaluation criteria must also be defined.

SL can be linked in curricular terms through seminars, interdisciplinary projects, an end-of-subject assignment, curricular practices, a bachelor’s degree final project, a master’s degree final project, and extracurricular academic activities, among others. One of the key elements is the transfer of knowledge from the University to society from civic engagement through reflective practice.