Research On The Concepts And Practice Of Service Learning In Universities Of U.S.

Service learning is an empirical learning model that emerged in the United States in the second half of the 20 th century.Firstly,it encourages students autonomously care about the needs of the community;Secondly,it provides professional knowledge and services for the community;Thirdly,it satisfies the development needs of the community;Fourthly,it enable students to enhance their understanding of professional courses;Fifthly,it promotes the spirit of dedication of young people.At present,service learning has received positive responses and proper applications in the higher education,which has,to some extent,promoted the development of practical education and social progress in higher education in various countries.This thesis uses the comparative research method,the case study method,and the literature research method.This thesis focuses on the combination of theory and practice.In the theoretical part,the author explores the basic connotation of service learning in American universities,such as its original theories,its characteristics and its functions.In the practical exploration part,through the study of operational mechanisms,the author presented the operating process and guarantees mechanism of American service learning.Next,through the case study of service learning at the University of Washington,the author focused on the analysis of the specific practice of service learning.Finally,through comparative research methods,the author puts forward the enlightenment of American college service learning on the development of Chinese college students' social practice.Through the in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of American university service learning,this thesis analyzes its experience and inspiration.This research has drawn the problems in the social practice of Chinese college students in China,including its void form,innovation inadequate,continuity insufficient,theory lacking,practical lacking,and limited financial support.The suggestions for Chinese universities are the following: Firstly,to ensure the institutional guarantees and scientific management;Secondly,to nurture the atmosphere of services learning and to deepen the service learning concept;Thirdly,to adhere to the student-centered and to promote student status;Fourthly,to promote service innovation mechanisms and to create the college-driving projects.The purpose of this dissertation is to summarize the experience of service learning in U.S.universities by studying relevant theories and practices.In order to further improve the social practice of Chinese college students,we should attach more importance to classroom...