Bottom Line Definition of Service Learning
Service Learning is experiential learning and service for students that is:
- a part of a course or
- a structured project or activity
Distinctions Among Service Programs
Service Learning Programs are distinguished from other forms of experiential education by their intention to equally benefit the provider and the recipient of the service as well as to ensure equal focus on both the service being provided and the learning that is occurring.
Volunteerism: Volunteers engage in service for a variety of personal reasons. They do not necessarily link their service to academic studies nor do they receive academic credit for their efforts.
Community Service: People engaging in community service do so for a variety of reasons. This is a broad term that can encompass court ordered, stipend, or volunteered service. It also does not necessarily link to academic studies.
Field Education/ Work Study/ Internship: Student interns frequently work at for-profit businesses to benefit the financial standing of that business. They are not necessarily working to improve their communities through these internship experiences. There can be an overlap between field education/ work study/ internships and service learning. Students can be engaged in service learning if through their field education, work study, or internship experiences they work to improve the health or welfare of their community while linking this to their academic studies.