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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