Service Learning or Community Service: What is the difference?

Contributed by Brenda Wuebker, National Consultant Team, Ohio

Service Learning and Community Service are very important to our communities but what is the difference?

Community service is typically a service project that is completed one time.  It usually doesn’t involve learning objectives.  On the other hand, Service Learning is a culminating project.  The project lasts for at least 1 full semester or even an entire school year.  It has specific learning objects and usually involves core academic learning.  In addition, it requires the student to reflect throughout the project so continuous learning evolves. 

Service Learning has become part of today’s education because of its comprehensive learning.  In order for it to be true Service Learning it must contain the following stages:

1. Investigation

2. Preparation and Planning

3. Action

4. Reflection

5. Demonstration/Celebration

Not only are these projects important to our communities they are important to our students.  Students want to address and solve real life problems involving our communities but too often they lack the opportunities to participate.  As Family and Consumer Science teachers and FCCLA advisers we can provide those opportunities for our students through service learning by participating in FCCLA National Programs.  Together we can make a difference.