Psychology and service learning - Essay Example

Psychology and Service Learning Psychology and Service Learning Service learning is a form of volunteer work and it encompasses relevant community service and class instruction. It also concentrates on personal reflection on the individual in order to gain critical thinking in understanding his or her community. Consequently, this strengthens the person’s civic engagement and other forms of personal responsibility essential in meaningful existence. However, there is a direct relationship between service learning and psychology in regards to formulating the right attitudes, stereotypes, and beliefs.

It implies that the human society is tasked with understanding their social roles and the functions of the total institution in terms of life events, culture, migration, and social class within the community. On that account, civic responsibility gained through close coordination between supervisors and volunteers ensures that reflection on service experience is enhanced gradually. The process involves assessing the guiding belief systems that motivate a community in achieving its goals and objectives include its hopes and fears.

Additionally, psychology with emphasis to its subfield of social psychology focuses on group dynamics by studying the various social variables (Billig & Furco, 2002). Alternatively, there are other implicit measures that influence the social information that is integral in comprehending service learning for individuals. Overall, psychologists determine the domains of volunteer work through critical studies of cultural patterns and demographics of a community. Psychologists gain a lot by doing community service because they gain skills doing their volunteering time.

For instance, they learn how social interaction influences attitudes and beliefs in individuals. The act enables them to find a common ground in improving the community. ReferenceBillig, S. & Furco, A. (2002). Service-learning Through a Multidisciplinary Lens. Mason, OH: IAP.