Service-Learning in Health Education

This article describes service-learning as an experiential educational methodology by which people learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences. Service-learning is separate and distinct from either community service, volunteerism, field work, or internships. Community service and volunteerism are primarily focused on the service provided and the benefits to the recipients of that service. Internships and field work are primarily focused on the learning acquired by the student. Service-learning, however, has an equally weighted focus between the benefits of the service to the recipient and the benefits of learning for the student. The benefits of service-learning are outlined and examples of service-learning projects are presented in this article. Last, the author's use of service learning in health education courses is described and the reader is encouraged to incorporate service-learning in his or her courses and curriculum.