Shari Durrant

Connie Spanton-Jex
Intr 1100
09/05/2013
What is Service Learning?
Service Learning is a long-term program relating to course work that benefits the
community. Rather than simply deciding on your own what project to undertake, service learning
starts with asking members of the community what they need assistance with. Once a project has
been decided on a plan of action is formed and the students go to work. Upon completion the
students reflect on what they have learned from the experience. They also inform the community
what they have learned and offer suggestions for future problem solving.
There are many differences between volunteering and service learning starting with the
involvement between community members and students. Another is how it relates to class
curriculum. According to the Brigham Young University Idaho website on service learning,
Unlike volunteering through church groups or student organizations, service-learning is a
course-based service experience that produces the best results when meaningful service activities
are related to course materials (BYU-I). Along with this volunteering is often on a one time
basis, whereas service learning is intended to be completed over a long period of time.

Work Cited
BYU - Idaho. Service Learning, What it isnt. n.p. Web. 9 Sept 2013