Academic Service-Learning, Civic Responsibility, and the Professional Development of Criminal Justice Majors

• In Event: Service Learning & Community Engagement in Criminology Courses

Abstract

This paper examines the benefits of service-learning, and how service-learning plays a critical role in the development of our criminal justice students. Service-learning courses are rigorous, and, however, difficult to teach. Professors who teach service-learning courses may find the process daunting, particularly in implementing a new teaching strategy, and in forming community partnerships. Students in service-learning courses may also face challenges that impact their successes. This paper identifies some of these challenges and offers solutions to these problems. Furthermore, this paper examines how service-learning courses can improve student-learning experiences and outcomes, promote civic responsibility, and play a critical role in the professional development of our criminal justice majors.

Author

• Helen Ahn Lim, California Lutheran University