Study On Service Learning In American Higher Education Institutions Based On Learning Reform Concept

Service learning is a comprehensive learning activity which combines school curriculum and community service, teaching and learning, as well as action and reflection together. Its core idea is to make them apply, reconsider and obtain knowledge through service experiences, enhance cooperation consciousness, improve the abilities of analyzing and resolving issues and cultivate their sense of social responsibility by organizing students to actively participate in various kinds of service activities.This paper sets service learning in American higher education institutions as research subject, applies literature and case analysis methods to analyze and explore it mainly in theory and practice from the perspective of learning reform, and presents the reference significance on China’s college learning reform based on the study. First, the paper outlines the definition, characteristics of service learning, and combines the background and its development of service learning in American higher education institutions. Second, the paper excavates the supporting theoretical basis of service learning in American higher education institutions, reveals the main functions of service learning, respectively expounds its influence on students, schools, teachers and communities, etc. Third, the paper explores the practice of service learning in American higher education institutions, which starts from the principles and steps of implementing service learning, then discusses the development modes, and introduces the successful cases of service learning in American higher education institutions as well as summarizes their successful experience. Finally, the paper discusses the enlightenment and reference significance of service learning in American higher education institutions as a kind of learning reform activity on China’s college learning reform.