Service-Learning Australia

There are a number of different types of service programs – volunteerism, community service, service-learning, work experience and internship - each with its unique characteristics.  What differentiates them is where each lies on two continuums:

Benefit - between recipient and provider

Focus   - between service and learning.

The following diagram is taken from Andrew Furco’s paper – “Service-Learning: a Balanced Approach to Experiential Education.”

Volunteerism: the primary focus is on the service being provided and the main benefit goes to the service recipient – for example, collecting money for victims of bush fires.

Community service: the primary focus is on service provided and the main benefit goes to the service recipient, however service providers also receive benefits and learn from the experience – for example, students serving food at a shelter for the homeless.

Internship: the primary focus is on learning and the main benefit is to the service providers, however the service recipient also benefits – for example, an undergraduate teacher spending time working in a school.

Work Experience: the primary focus is on learning and the the main benefit is to the service provider – for example, a year 10 student does work experience in a local hairdressing salon.

Service-learning: programs are designed to equally benefit the provider and the recipient of the service and to focus equally on the service being provided and the learning that is occurring.