Research Guides: Service Learning: Practicing Service Learning

About practice resources

This page provide selected resources for designing, implementing and assessing service learning. The resources are grouped and organized in five sections:

Research findings on what works for service learning
This section includes findings on what works or not and how to successfully implement service learning: (a) a summary of necessary and effective elements, based on reported research findings; and (b) a few examples of systematic reviews from public and open access evidence-based resources and research publications.
Database and tools for finding what works or not.
Handbooks, manuals and toolkit, both from our library collection and from academic centers and organization with service learning programs. At the top are general and applicable to all service learning. Other groupings include specific discipline, community partnership, reflection and assessment.
Conferences and events that provide a forum for sharing experience and resources, training, connecting and networking.
Academic Service Learning Centers examples of types of service learning integration and training resources for faculty and students.
Agencies and organizations that may fund, have programs or provide resources to support service-learning and related programs. This listing is divided into governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

At the end of each section are tips for finding similar resources. Additional resources may be searched through Library Search or in databases listed on the Research/Publishing page.

Effective Service Learning

Elements of Effective Service Learning

"Research on service-learning has found that effects are strongest for students when program designs follow recommended elements and standards, to include the following:

A strong link between the students’ service and the curriculum they are studying.
Systematic reflection in which students analyze the impact of their service, the academics, the social issue, etc.
Engagement in service that is meaningful to the students and the community. •
Student voice in organizing and implementing service-learning experiences.
Adequate student preparation to engage in community-based service activities; and •
Sufficient duration of service experiences."

Americorps. (2022). Report to Congress on Service-Learning Programs at AmeriCorps.

Systematic Review and Other Evidence-Based Findings

Becoming productive 21st century citizens:A systematic review uncovering design principles for integrating community service learning into higher education courses (2020)
General principles ..."the literature [31 articles] highlighted three steps that, according to the literature, are important in the implementation of CSL: (1) aligning course objectives and format; (2) establishing a relationship with the community partner; and (3) defining a reflection and evaluation strategy. We found that the nature of the design principles and specific approaches underlying these implementation steps should depend on the students’ capabilities, which include their pre-CSL experiences."
more...less...
Table 1. Details of the search string provides search queries for three concepts: service learning, university, and program implementation.
Databases include PsycINFO (via Ebsco), Eric (via Ebsco) and Scopus. Dates to 2018. Title and abstract search query for:
service learning = (‘community service-learning’ OR ‘community service learning’ OR ‘service-learning’ OR ‘community-based learning’ OR ‘community-engaged learning’ OR ‘academically based community service’ OR ‘civic engagement’)
university =(universit* OR ‘higher education’ OR ‘graduate stud*’ OR ‘undergraduate stud*’OR (graduate N3 education) OR academ*)
program design = (implement* OR ‘classroom design’ OR ‘curriculum design’ OR ‘educational facilities design’ OR ‘instructional design’ OR ‘program design’)

What Works? Search Tools

Campbell Collaboration Library of Systematic Reviews This link opens in a new window
The Campbell Collaboration is an international social science research network that produces high quality, open and policy-relevant evidence syntheses, plain language summaries and policy briefs.

What Works Clearinghouse (Institute of Education Sciences, US Department of Education)
The purpose of the What Works Clearinghouse is to review and summarize the quality of existing research in educational programs, products, practices, and policies. The reviews that are included in this database must meet the WWC procedures (protocols) and standards for reviews and synthesis. The reviews include both what has worked as well what has not worked! Reviews can be browsed by topic or by keyword searching. Guide for searching.

Handbooks and Manuals

The Cambridge Handbook of Service Learning and Community Engagement by Corey Dolgon (Editor); Tania D. Mitchell (Editor); Timothy K. Eatman (Editor)
ISBN: 9781316650011
Publication Date: 2017-02-23
With contributions from leading experts across disciplinary fields, this book explores best practices from the field's most notable researchers, as well as important historically based and politically focused challenges to a field whose impact has reached an important crossroads. The comprehensive and powerfully critical analysis considers the history of community engagement and service learning, best teaching practices and pedagogies, engagement across disciplines, and current research and policies - and contemplates the future of the field. The book will not only inform faculty, staff, and students on ways to improve their work, but also suggest a bigger social and political focus for programs intended to seriously establish democracy and social justice in their communities and campuses.
The SAGE Sourcebook of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement by Bola Delano-Oriaran (Editor); Marguerite W. Penick-Parks (Editor); Suzanne Fondrie (Editor)
ISBN: 9781452281919
Publication Date: 2015-04-29
The book focuses on historical, philosophical, social foundations, practices and models of service-learning and civic engagement. It offers practical, jargon-free chapters applicable to any educational institution as well as community organizations that might consult the work. Thematic parts provide a practical sampling of syllabi, lesson plans, activities and resources, and online websites and databases supporting service-learning. It also includes a glossary and bibliography of resources.
Learning Through Serving by Christine M. Cress; Peter J. Collier; Vicki L. Reitenauer
ISBN: 9781579229917
Publication Date: 2013-10-01
This book helps students understand and reflect on their community service experiences both as individuals and as citizens of communities in need of their compassionate expertise. It is designed to assist faculty in facilitating student development of compassionate expertise through the context of service in applying disciplinary knowledge to community issues and challenges. There is also an Instructor's Manual.
The Wiley international handbook of service-learning for social justice by Lund, Darren E
ISBN: 9781119144434
Publication Date: 2018
Sample chapters: Service-learning and the discourse of social justice; Service-learning in higher education by, for, and about LGBTQ people; Critical disability studies and community engagement; Reshaping professional programs through service-learning: moving beyond traditional clinical experiences to challenge power and privilege; Fostering cultural humility among preservice teachers; and Community as teacher : who's learning? who's teaching?

Student Preparation, Engagement, and Reflection

Sturgill, A. & Motley, P. (2014). Methods of Reflection about Service Learning: Guided vs. Free, Dialogic vs. Expressive, and Public vs. Private (PDF)

Social Work

Nursing and Health

Nursing students' experiences with service learning: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation by Cheryl Stevens
ISBN: 9780736060226
Publication Date: 2008-08-22
This unique workbook puts students in control by providing guidance through the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating service-learning projects.

Community Partnership

Community Partner Guide to Campus Collaborations by Christine M. Cress; Stephanie T. Stokamer; Joyce P. Kaufman
ISBN: 9781620361375
Publication Date: 2015-06-11
This Guide offers insights and strategies to leverage student learning and community empowerment for the benefit of both parties.
Handbook of Engaged Scholarship by Hiram E. Fitzgerald (Editor); Cathy Burack (Editor); Sarena D. Seifer (Editor)
ISBN: 9781609171940
Publication Date: 2012-01-01
"Engaged scholarship," is a scholarly approach to campus-community partnerships.
Building Partnerships for Service-Learning by Barbara C. Jacoby; Barbara Jacoby and Associates Staff (Editor)
ISBN: 9780787958909
Publication Date: 2003-02-17
Partnerships for Service-Learning assembles leading voices in the field to bring their expertise to bear on this crucial topic. Faculty, administrators, student leaders, and community and corporate leaders will find this volume filled with vital information, exemplary models, and practical tools needed to make service-learning succeed. Contents include Fundamentals and frameworks for developing sustainable partnerships Assessment as a partnership-building process and How to create campuswide infrastructure for service-learning Profiles and case studies of outstanding partnerships with neighborhoods, and community agencies.

Academic Centers for Service Learning

This is a sample list of academic centers outside of Temple University with tips for finding other centers. For Temple University centers, course and projects, open the Service Learning at Temple page.

Public Service Center Resources for Community Engagement
The University of California Berkeley Service-Learning Research and Development Center has many resources about the University’s well-established service-learning program as well as tools for creating and assessing your own program.
Ginsberg Center - Univ. of Michigan
The Ginsberg Center empowers students to engage in positive change through social-justice education, leadership, and meaningful service experiences with the community. The center partners with faculty to offer a range of programs to strengthen community service learning across the University of Michigan.
Service Learning Academy - University of Omaha
The UNO Library houses the Barbara A. Holland Collection for Service Learning and Community Engagement (SLCE)
Barbara A. Holland Collection for Service Learning and Community Engagement (SLCE)
"The Barbara A. Holland Collection for Service Learning and Community Engagement (SLCE) is both uniquely retrospective and comprehensive, offering the world's largest physical collection in the field. This internationally important collection features digital derivatives of materials originally collected by the National Service Learning Clearinghouse (NSLC) including: engagement research in higher education, K-12 schools, the community-based organization sector and Tribal Nations."

In addition to these, the university centers listed within "University Support for Service Learning" or in the rankings below may have guides and tips.

U.S. News & World Report Service Learning Program Ranking

Organizations and Networks

Government

AmeriCorps (Corporation for National and Communiity Service)
AmeriCorps is the nation’s largest grantmaker supporting service and volunteering. From 1993 through 2011 they awarded service learning specific grants and supported the National Clearinghouse for Service Learning.
National Service Knowledge Network (AmeriCorps)
The National Service Knowledge Network website serves as a hub for sharing training and technical assistance for AmeriCorps programs. The site offers an online learning center, a library of downloadable publications, an events calendar, and a collection of practices and program examples.
Youth.gov - Civic Engagement - Service Learning
This site is part of the federal portal for youth that contain resources and links to programs and funding opportunities. Contents include the statutory definition of service learning, rates of participation, benefits, challenges and solutions, best practices, state and district level policies, integration into curriculum policies and examples, and web resources. While still useful, the service learning resources appear not to have been updated since 2014.
Youth Service America (YSA)
YSA aims to improve communities by increasing the number and the diversity of young people, ages 5–25, serving in substantive roles. Resources and training provided by YSA include the Global Youth Service Day Planning Tool Kit, the Service-Learning Curriculum Guide, the National Service Briefing, and Youth Service Institute information, webinars, and individual support. This project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of State, and other organizations.
Editor's Picks: Service Learning & Volunteer Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Education’s website features a number of volunteer and service-learning opportunities that youth can explore. Each offers unique experiences either domestically or internationally for youth to get involved in so they can make a difference in the lives of others through a variety of community projects.

Non-Government Organizations

Campus Compact
This national coalition of colleges and universities that enables campuses to develop students’ citizenship skills and forge effective community partnerships. Campus Compact supports the practice of service-learning in higher education. Resources include syllabi from service-learning courses in various disciplines and information on how to apply for grants and funding.
Coalition for Service-Learning
A coalition of education and youth development advocates is organizing an effort to renew funding for service-learning in schools and community organizations across the United States.Visit the site for updates on proposed funding.
Community-Based Global Learning Collaborative
A network of educational institutions and community organizations. The Collaborative advances ethical, critical, and aspirationally de-colonial community-based learning and research for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
National Youth Leadership Council
This organization aims to create a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world with young people, their schools, and their communities through service-learning.
International Education Resource Network (iEARN)
iEARN is a nonprofit organization consisting of more than 20,000 schools worldwide in more than 115 countries that seeks to empower students and teachers to work together online on selected projects that are integrated into their classrooms.
International Partnership for Service Learning
The International Partnership for Service Learning offers programs for students to study abroad and perform community service in an international setting.

Philadelphia and Local Organizations

PHENND
The Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND) is a consortium of over 30 colleges and universities in the greater Philadelphia area. PHENND works to build the capacity of its member institutions to develop mutually beneficial, sustained, and democratic community-based service-learning partnerships. The consortium actively seeks to revitalize local communities and schools and foster civic responsibility among the region’s colleges and universities.

Events and Training

For details, dates, registration and other events, visit the organization's events calendar.

Events - Office of Community Engaged Research and Practice (College of Public Health,Temple Univ.)
NYLC Calendar of Service Learning Events
NYLC International Service-Learning Forum (VIrtual)
The International Service-Learning Forum is designed to be an interactive learning experience for both experienced practitioners and those new to service-learning. The workshops will offer insights on specific best practices, provide new tools, lessons learned from global practitioners, student demonstration of their learning and more.
Planning and Designing Service-Learning Courses for Teacher Education Programs (Virtual)
Effective service-learning implementation and design is the foundation of student engagement, learning, and success. Learn from experienced educators and service-learning leaders as you work to refine and improve your courses, and develop courses that meet service-learning requirements for Teacher Education.
Services Learning Conferences

Temple University

University Libraries

See all library locations

Need help? Email us at asktulibrary@temple.edu