How do we approach SL at the UAB?

Within the framework of the University’s social responsibility, through which it undertakes to improve the community environment, service-learning (SL) is an educational approach through which students learn by taking part in a project aimed at addressing a real community need and improving the living conditions of people or the quality of the environment. With SL, students make a commitment as part of an experience in which learning is also linked to their academic curriculum, the development of personal skills and a real and potentially sustainable service for the community.

SL involves identifying a social, environmental or cultural need, acting to address this need and engaging in a process of reflection that links the practical experience to theoretical knowledge, raises awareness and helps the students position themselves within their social environment.

This section explains which activities may be considered SL and the indicators that must be used to qualitatively assess the activities.

Key Elements of Service-Learning at UAB

Meaningful Learning

Requirements

• Connection between student learning and their academic curriculum

Added value

• Participation in identifying needs

• Student involvement in designing the intervention

Reflection and Critical Awareness

Requirements

• Awareness of the value of the service

• Awareness of the personal contribution of the service

• Ethical perspective and respect for human rights

Service to the Community

 

Requirements

• Service is carried out in a non-profit activity context

• Respect for the professional role

• The service addresses a real need validated by the receiving or beneficiary community

Added value

• Active involvement of community members beyond the collaborating organization

• Sustainability of the service

• Explicit recognition by the community and celebration