The Pepperdine University Volunteer Center states that Service Learning is "The integration of community service activities with academic study resulting in an enhanced learing experience and the meeting of community needs." Through Service Learning, students are enabled to critically reflect upon classroom learning in real life situations. It also enables them to demonstrate individual and group leadership skills and to develop a sense of civic and social responsibility. Dr. David Davenport, the President of Pepperdine University, believes that "The University is becoming less of an ivory tower and becoming a place of service to society, the church, and the community. The best learning and teaching is done when connecting with a society and community." We feel that Service Learning is a fundamental part of a students education. It is valuable to students because it exposes them to the needs of the community while teaching students how to become responsible, young adults. Service Learning opens ones eyes to what is happening in the world around them and provides the opportunity for community involvement.
Through our class, The Call of Service Learning, we have been exposed to the growing needs of youth involvement in our society. This class has provided us with the opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and explore the illnesses that plague our community. We have developed the ability to think critically about our environment and what our responsibility is to our surroundings. This class has instilled in us a deep commitment to life-long Service Learning.
To learn more about what service learning is and how to get involved, check out these sites: