Reflections From Graduate Adult Learners About Service Learning

Adult education is grounded in responding to the needs of others, and the field places emphasis on adult learning theories such as transformative learning and experiential learning. Service learning is an educational approach that balances formal instruction and direction with the opportunity for adult learners to serve in the community as a pragmatic, progressive learning experience. Although approaches differ among institutions, service learning provides participants the opportunity to learn through the practical experience of serving the community. The implementation of service learning is beneficial in the efforts to have robust dialogue, while exposing various perspectives that may lead to solutions for the issues facing the adult learner. The authors express their belief that service-learning projects should be required for future educators earning credentials for the teaching, development, evaluation, and administration of adult learning programs.