Most Recent Coherent Service-Learning Definition

To continue properly defining Service-Learning I would like to share one that has gained in popularity among pracitioners which was developed by Andrew Furco. The great thing about the Furco model is that it establishes service along a continuum that has varying emphasis on the type of service provided and who derives the benefits. For example, on the left-hand side of the continuum the emphasis is on pure service or volunteerism to the community, where the commmunity is the primary beneificiary,and depicted as SERVICE-learning. In the middle of the Furco continuum the service is provided to the community but the benefits go equally to the student and the community partner because the project is connected to what students are learning in the classroom, depicted as SERVICE-LEARNING. Finally, at the far end of the continuum the emphasis is on learning through service such as an internship which primarily benefits the student, and depicted as service-LEARNING. The definition is shown below and you can access the graphic depiction of his concept by visiting:
http://www.usfca.edu/osl/documents/basics/A_Balanced_Approach_Furco.pdf


“... each program type places a different amount of emphasis on service and/or learning and is defined by whether the primary intended beneficiary of the experience is service provider or service recipient. Having a strong emphasis on providing a ‘service,’ community service programs (Service learning) are primarily intended to benefit the recipient of the service activity…In contrast, Service Learning seeks to engage students in activities that both combine community service and academic learning. Because service-learning programs are typically rooted in formal courses (core academic, elective, vocational), the service activities are usually based on particular concepts that are being taught…In service based internship programs (service Learning), students tend to spend time at an agency to learn about a particular career industry while applying what their academic knowledge and professional skills to complete specific projects at the agency.

Source: Furco, Andrew (2002) “Is Service-Learning Really Better Than Community Service? A Study of High School Service Program Outcomes. In Furco, Andrew & Billig, Shelly (Eds.). Service-Learning: The Essence of the Pedagogy. Information Age Publishing: Greenwich, CT.