Social Work Education and Service Learning

In order to increase the collaboration between communities and schools of social work, this article urges educators at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to consider the benefits of including service learning in social work curricula. An approach to social work education via service learning places an equal emphasis on meaningful community service and student skill development, in contrast to other forms of experiential learning. An empowering approach to integrating theory and practice, service learning embodies specific social work values, such as respect for diversity, self-determination, collaboration, social justice, a person-in-environment focus, and accountability. Drawing on recent examples from baccalaureate and master's-level programs, empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of service learning in the field of social work is offered.