1) WHAT IS SERVICE-LEARNING THEORY?

So, I have already defined what service-learning is and cited one of its
characteristics. This time I will be sharing my ideas of what service-learning theory is
trying to imply. As I have mentioned in the first paragraph, service learning is rooted on
the idea that experience is the best source of learning. This thought also refers to
service-learning theory. According to what I have understood in the given lesson,
service-learning requires active participation rather than passive. It cannot be said as
such if one is doing nothing at all. This is because it is an experiential education. It is
derived from bodily experiences of individuals. However, it cannot only refer to bodily
experiences alone. It must be associated with learning. There shall be an acquired
learning from participation of sequence of events. Therefore, it can be said that one is
engaging in service-learning if and only of he or she participates on a situation and
learns on different events associated on the situations in which he or she is in.

Suppose Davao del Sur is experiencing flood and many families are affected. The
whole province is in need of supplies such as food, clothing and personal necessities.
Also suppose that a particular student of UM is also residing in the province. Since she
and her family are well provided and they happen to be prepared in case of
emergencies, the student upon hearing announcements of lacking supplies for the
affected families, volunteers to help in disseminating supplies in evacuation areas. The
student, upon giving such service, understands, reflects, and learns more things from
what she had encountered. She learned that early preparation for emergencies like this
is significant. Also, being informed enough of important info such as news lessens the
complications and possibilities of unfortunates to happen. This is what service-learning
theory for me is trying to imply. Experience is a lesson itself.