Whats the difference between a service learning project and a service learning placement?
In service learning projects, students in a class work together to complete specific tasks for a local nonprofit agency. Usually, professors choose the agency in advance, so students do not need to choose an agency to work with. Project work may take place off-campus or on-campus or a combination of both. In service learning placements, students volunteer regularly throughout the semester at different agencies. Students need to be actively involved in choosing a service learning placement. Professors may allow students to choose from all service learning agencies or from a short list of selected agencies. Generally, placement work takes place off-campus at a program site and involves hands-on work with agency clients. At the end of the semester, agency supervisors will be asked to assess students’ performance using this evaluation. The results of these evaluations are given to professors to be incorporated into students’ class grades.
