Service-Learning, service learning, service-Learning, Service-learning

What is Service-Learning?

You may or may not have noticed the slight differences, but the small changes in case and punctuation can mean a big difference when working with Service-Learning.  Many times what is offered to students varies depending on the semester and the opportunities available.  But understanding the differences in Service-Learning, service learning, service-Learning and Service-learning can truly impact what the students and community agency gets in return for the experience.

In 1994, Robert Sigmon introduced a typology to help differentiate the types of Service-Learning.  This form helps to distinguish the the goals of the experiences and what the participants – students or community agencies, may receive through the experience itself.

• Service-LEARNING: Learning goals primary; service outcomes secondary.
• SERVICE-Learning: Service outcomes primary; learning goals secondary.
• service learning: Service and learning goals completely separate.
• SERVICE-LEARNING: Service and learning goals of equal weight and each enhances the other for all participants.

This typology helps clearly express the differences among other types of experiential education such as community service and internships and helps establish criteria for the Service-Learning experience itself.  While many definitions exist for Service-Learning, the typology may help you better understand the Service-Learning you wish to employ in your classroom.

For additional information on the Service-Learning differences, check out what Andrew Furco has written.

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