GO > Service-learning bursts that bubble. Other students visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where they learned about environmental sustainability while repairing trails. Geography students mapping a forest to track the growth of particular plants, History students compiling documentation of the town’s founding, Statistics majors creating a quantitative assessment tool to poll community opinion on a particular issue, Volunteers going door-to-door to ask pre-developed polling questions. accreditedschoolsonline.org is an advertising-supported site. However, prospective students can get deep in the weeds on model syllabi and a clearinghouse-style Guide for Global Civic Action. He's currently trying to finish his first novel. Registered in England & Wales No. This makes both more compelling and valuable to both the volunteer and those they serve. We retain more by doing.”, As mentioned, hands-on experience can reinforce learning, something that employers view favorably. Ultimately, learning is the goal of service learning. Students can gain better understanding of themselves as they explore and develop ways to contribute to their communities. But there’s something special about service-learning. However, don’t assume they are hiring. Currently, I’m Program Assistant for the Alternative Break Program, and through this opportunity I’m able to help students become active citizens, while also empowering them to become successful leaders. Service learning is a blend of studying and volunteering at the same time. They’re building skills in a workplace setting. It helps these schools plan alternative breaks programs. Before beginning their service-learning experiences, students complete an analysis of socioeconomic and cultural aspects of the neighborhood using internet resources and direct observation. Below are some examples of each, as well as a few examples of comparable community service activities to further illustrate the difference between service-learning and community service/volunteering. Moreover, since experiential learning is valuable for building a career, it’s not uncommon for many students to apply to these limited programs. Upon returning, faculty help students reflect on challenges and overall experiences. Following each day of service, students use a web-based tool to record data about the clients they served and the services they provided. Competitive programs means that the best of the best will get in, leading to a rigorous classroom experience and high-caliber volunteers. Some of these connections can even continue to grow over the years and become mentorships. Both the volunteering and the studying part focus on the same field, so each experience reinforces the other. As Plummer puts it, “It’s really empowering to be able to apply classroom-based knowledge and gain hands-on experience in real world settings. Copyright © 2019 - www.AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org - All rights reserved. Or, it may be that the service allows students to go deeper into a topic through research. While that's all nice and well, what exactly are the differences? How High School & College Students Can Address Real World. Perhaps the most personally rewarding type of service-learning, direct service involves working face-to-face with the community members being helped. First, both involve giving your time without receiving financial compensation in return.