When Service is Good for Economics: Linking the Classroom and Community through Service-Learning

Service-learning is an experiential learning pedagogy that enables students to integrate their study of economics in the classroom with service activities in their communities. It enhances student learning because it encourages deep learning. Furthermore, it is a method by which economics can be made more accessible to an increasingly diverse student body and improve the relationship between colleges and universities and their communities. This paper offers an overview of the learning theory that underlies service-learning experiences, describes examples in the economics curriculum which demonstrate the associated components of deep learning, and provides a discussion of important considerations for economics faculty who wish to integrate service-learning into their classrooms.