Service Learning Student Expectations
The tasks that service learning students are asked to undertake at their placements are varied. This will depend on students’ skills and abilities, but it will also depend heavily on the needs of the organization.
Some of the tasks that students might undertake include research and report writing, marketing, public and media relations, community outreach and campaigning, event planning, fundraising, general office administration, web and publications development, observing and assisting with client care, assisting with casework administration and acting as a tutor or teaching assistant.
In a service learning experience, not only you will likely have co-workers from diverse backgrounds, but the client groups or beneficiaries of your agency’s or organization’s work may well be individuals from diverse religious or ethnic groups, people with disabilities or mental illness, children, the homeless, or families living in poverty.
You must be able and willing to deal sensitively with these various constituencies. It is not just about being “politically correct,” but being able to show empathy and genuinely respect others, regardless of their differing opinions, background or position in life. Make sure that you are aware of how this translates into your individual workplace.