Resources

Types of Service-Learning

Academic service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.
Direct Service-Learning:

Face-to-face service projects in which the students’ service directly impacts individuals/agencies who receive the service from the students.

Examples: 

  • Tutoring at local schools or after-school programs 
  • Conducting art/music/dance lessons for youth
  • Giving presentations on violence and drug prevention
  • Share accounting or finance skills with a non-profit organization
  • Teach computer skills to children or senior citizens
  • Hold language classes for community groups
  • Conduct historical studies in the community 
  • Help with Special Olympics
  • Teach sports skills clinics 

Indirect Service-Learning:

Working on current issues or agency projects that have clear benefits, but are not necessarily in direct contact with the agency or individual.

Examples: 

  • Compiling a town history

  • Environmental study for a local government or community organization

  • Removing invasive plants and restoring ecosystems in preserved areas for public use

  • Test air, soil or water quality levels 

Advocacy Service-Learning:

Educating others about topics of public interest–projects that aim to create awareness and action on issues that impact the community.

Examples: 

  • Planning and putting on public forums on topics of interest in the community
  • Conducting public information campaigns on topics of interest or local needs
  • Working with elected officials to draft legislation to improve communities