Applying Macroeconomic Knowledge: The Service Learning Project

Abstract

This study analyzes an effective classroom teaching style that relies on interactive learning and integrates classroom activities and efforts into communities. Notable new contributions of this study are: (1) to examine the existing problems with the traditional economics instruction, (2) to introduce new innovative approaches to classroom teachings and (3) to introduce the Service Learning project as an alternative effective teaching style designed to enhance the student's learning outcomes. The success of the Service Learning project is affected by the degree of integration existing among the institution and the public and private community agencies. Through such integration, both the students and the community receive greater benefits from increased knowledge and joint activities. The analysis suggests the inclusion of the Service Learning project in the economic classroom as an effective tool to enhance students' learning outcomes and to create direct benefits to the community.

JEL Classification: A2