Service Learning
Discover real-world impact with Saint Mary's University's Course-Based Service Learning! It's a program that provides you with an experiential learning approach which links community-based experience with course content.
This unique program offers hands-on, reflective experiences, connecting classroom theories to practical challenges. Whether as an optional or mandatory part of your course, it’s an opportunity to make a difference and enhance your learning journey.
-
Connect and apply curriculum (theory/concepts) to real-life situations
-
Reflect on the service experience, personal values, & issues of social responsibility
-
Broaden knowledge, deepen skills, & challenge presumptions
-
Collaborate & build networks with community members & organizations
Want to learn more? Reach out to service.learning@smu.ca
- Book appointments with the Service Learning Office
- Track your SL Hours
- Access required SL forms & documents
- View your participation in SL on your Experiential Learning Transcript
Research on Service Learning suggests that it benefits faculty and the university by:
-
Incorporating theory/concepts taught in class with community-identified opportunities
-
Encouraging students to be more engaged in the class by reflecting on their experiences and drawing connections to course content
-
Enriching the teaching and learning process
-
Encouraging innovation, collaboration, and partnership building with community organizations that can potentially lead to university-community research partnerships
-
Creating space for communities to serve as an additional space for learning (Gemmel & Clayton, 2009, 18-28)