Service learning/community service?

Question

What is service learning & how does it differ from community service?

Answer 1

Service learning is community service that is tied specifically to classroom curriculum. Service learning is course-based and you get credit for such in your course. Service learning combines community service objectives with a course's learning objectives.

The actual act of service learning may not differ from community service in terms of what is done; a person engaged in service learning may be working side-by-side with someone "just" volunteering, doing exactly the same things. The difference is that the person who is doing the service as a part of service learning gets class credit for such, and may have additional requirements (like keeping a log, writing a report, etc.).

Answer 2

Community service is basically volunteering. Going in once a week, doing your thing and going home. Things like volunteering in a library putting away books, in a hospital taking ice water to patients, helping to prepare meals in a soup kitchen, etc. You aren't really learning anything new, but you're still doing good.

Service learning is where you take on a more in-depth project. I do a lot of work with international development organizations, working on the planning committees for big events or conferences, and other things like that. I'm learning about the organization, gaining skills in event planning, discovering more about international development, etc, all while I'm volunteering. Even working at an animal shelter could be service learning if you take on more responsibility and want to learn more to become say a vet, veterinary assistant, etc.

Hope that helps! I love service learning because I feel like I'm contributing a lot more than just regular volunteering.