Service-learning integrates academic learning with community service with a focus on reflection. Reflection is crucial because it is how students make connections between content and practice and between theory and social issues. Best practices and research both indicate that sustained involvement in service-learning in particular, the duration and intensity of service, has positive impact on students (Kolb, 1984; Astin and Sax, 1998; Mabry, 1998).
The goal of including service-learning in Writing through Engagement is to expand the number of opportunities students have to be engaged within the community, as this will help meet community needs, develop “servant leaders” who will continue to give back to their communities, and help students make connections between their coursework and real world issues.