U.s. Service-learning Research

Service learning, born in America in 1960s and won the rapid development Since 1980s, is a kind of experiential education that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. So that, it obtains good results and wide recognition. In order to understanding the whole picture of service learning, it is studied from the following aspects in this article.The first chapter of this paper briefly introduced the origin and significance of research and did a simple synthesis to literature at home and abroad so as to clarify the problems whereas the starting point for this research. At the same time, stated the research mentality and the method briefly. The second chapter discussed the concept of service learning emphatically. Because of the concept of service learning is not unified defined, so the author discussed it from three aspects: related definition of service learning, characteristics of service learning, difference between community service,volunteer activities professional practice or specialized practice ,so as to correctly grasp the concept of service learning as far as possible.The third chapter described in some detail the development of service-learning course and the development of the status quo, especially the difficulties and problems, as well as successful experience in the development process of it. And attempt to reveal the regularity with it, in order to enable it have a great significance for reference. Although service learning is developed from the practice, it still has its value theory and psychology foundation. And this is of particular importance for the long-term development of service-learning. It was discussed in Chapter IV. Dewey believes that schools should be an early form of society and, in this society, every child should receive guidance and training and edified with spirit of service so as to create a truly democratic society. This is the value foundation of service learning, while Kolb's theory of experiential learning provides methods and ways for the implementation of it.Service learning in the United States has been institutionalized, and this must have the corresponding support from related agencies and organizations. Chapter V of this article made a point of initial introduction to those agencies and organizations from the point of view of national institutions (the Corporation for National and Community Service) and non-governmental organizations. Chapter VI were mainly about several aspects of the implementation process of service learning from planning, implementation, reflection and evaluation.