Service Learning Approach Incorporate service learning into your curriculum
Description An important component of positive mental health is giving back to others. Participating in service learning not only benefits the community, but has positive health benefits for volunteers. While many students perform community service as part of their extracurricular activities, it is important to consider that engaging in service takes time and resources. Particularly for students who support themselves or family members financially, it can be difficult to engage in service on top of their academic and job responsibilities. With this in mind, faculty can equitably support all students’ wellbeing by integrating service learning into their classroom.
Universal Strategy Promote positive mental health in all students
Evidence Of Effectiveness Scientifically Supported - Many longitudinal studies have shown engaging in service is correlated with positive mental health. Research has shown service is associated with many commonly-used outcomes to measure mental health, including selfreported happiness (Borgonovi, 2008; Thoits & Hewitt, 2001), psychological wellbeing (Piliavin & Siegl, 2007), thriving (Shreiner, 2010), and life satisfaction (Thoits & Hewitt, 2001; Appau & Awaworyi, 2018). A few findings from the literature may provide additional context for implementation:
14
