Importance of Service Learning

Abstract
Service Learning combines community service with classroom instruction, focusing on critical and reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility.

Why Service learning is Important in Nursing Service-learning basically tests nursing concepts in the real world through service to community or non-profit organization. It promotes hands-on learning by fulfilling community needs, promoting civic responsibility and actively reflecting and reinforcing classroom learning which in turn develops strengths that lasts a lifetime. Service learning is an important part of the nursing curriculum because learning takes place not only in the classroom but also in the community. On one hand, service learning allows learners to apply classroom theories to real and practical situations by connecting it to the needs of the local and global community. It involves critical reflection, personal discovery and an agreement of values for life and skills for the workplace. These make it extremely important to nursing curriculum On the other hand , service learning helps students gain an understanding of their ability to impact their community and make a recognizable difference. Students are encouraged to reflect on their responses to the needs of others, the impact those responses have on thought, and the subsequent action needed to change existing conditions.
. In particular, service learning offers ways to improve partnerships between university and community agencies as it extends learning beyond the traditional classroom. It brings about an understanding of student personal responsibilities related to social justice and an appreciation for the diversity of our global community. The importance of service learning cannot be over emphasized. Not only does it involves collaboration in addressing significant community needs but also enriches the traditional classroom learning which .fosters the development of civic and social responsibility