Definitions

Service Learning

"Service-Learning is a credit bearing, educational experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets the identified community needs and reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility" (Bringle & Hatch, 1995).

Transformational Learning

“Transformational Learning (TL) is an educational philosophy and pedagogical method of teaching and learning that embraces ethical and socially responsible participation in structured service activities designed to meet the self-defined needs of social justice allies and community partners.  By wedding social justice content to transformational experiences in the community, TL provides a bridge between academic learning and direct action aimed at ameliorating social injustice.  As such, the work of TL contributes to the realization of Roosevelt University’s mission” (Robert, 2008).

How is Transformational Learning (TL) related to, but Different from Service Learning?

• TL explicitly weaves together social justice content with academically grounded educational experiences
• TL is intentionally designed to ameliorate social injustice and by extension
• TL makes possible the transformation of self and society through sustained engagement in civic life
• TL creates unique bridge from I to WE and from ME to US.

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