Service Learning: Placement vs. Project
Service learning can be listed as a placement or a project for your course.
Placement | Project |
---|---|
Students can choose among several agencies which are pre-approved for the course | Agency chosen in advance by professor |
Students must be offered a placement by an agency and then accept a placement offer | Students do not choose and are not chosen by an agency |
Students must turn in signed timesheets twice per semester | Students fill out a project hours report in class twice per semester |
Usually involves direct service | Can be direct or indirect service |
Eligible for transcript notations | Eligible for transcript notations |
Indirect vs. Direct Service
Indirect service and direct service are equally valuable. Direct service involves hands-on, face-to-face interaction with an agency's clients. Indirect service refers to capacity-building work which benefits the agency by supplementing its resources or boosting its effectiveness.
Example 1
- Indirect service: Designing a flyer to help a hospital publicize a blood drive
- Direct service: Donating blood or greeting and screening donors at the blood drive
Example 2
- Indirect service: Producing a directory of local food banks for a homeless shelter
- Direct service: Cooking and distributing meals at the homeless shelter