Overuse/Misunderstanding of the term Service-Learning?

Dear SL Colleagues,

I worked at a small college in Maine as the Coordinator for Community Service
from 2000-2003, and during that time I was very involved in implementing
service-learning on campus, along with a committed group of faculty, community
partners, and administrators.  I left this position to pursue a MA in Higher
Education at the University of Arizona, and I am continuing to study
service-learning.

One issue that I have come across in both personal experiences and through
research is a misuse of the term service-learning.  Often student affairs
departments or academic departments are quick to say that they?re practicing
service-learning, but in reality students are being asked to reflect upon a
service experience, but this post-service ?learning? is not tied to
specific learning outcomes?-whether in the classroom or through a student
development program.

I am wondering if some of you have struggled with similar issues on your own
campuses?  For example, have you had faculty or academic departments claim they
were implementing service-learning when the service was not tied to the
curriculum?   I am very interested in any stories you may be willing to share. 
This could be either via e-mail, or I could call you at a time convenient for
you.  I will be willing to share my results and paper with anyone interested.

Thank you for your time!


Sincerely,
   Lydia F. Bell

--
Lydia Bell
Graduate Assistant--Leadership
Center for Student Involvement and Leadership
University of Arizona
(520) 626-0036
lfbell@email.arizona.edu