Service-learning is a community-based pedagogy. It provides opportunities for students to put into practice concepts and theories from your classroom. This uniquely effective approach facilitates a connection between community service and academic coursework. Faculty members, in collaboration with community partners, decide how service can enhance the learning objectives of their courses, and how the work our students do can make a valuable contribution to the world around us.

Local organizations become learning laboratories, providing an environment in which students test classroom principles and theories in addition to working with community organization staff and clients to leave behind something of value to all concerned. Upon returning to the classroom, faculty set the tone for guided discussion and reflective assignments that tie the field experience to coursework. 

In addition to creating a connection between classroom concepts and hands-on service, students strengthen one of Wayne State University’s core aims: to better our diverse, metropolitan home.