Lesson: What is Service Learning?
Published on January 14, 2026
What is Service Learning?
SERVICE LEARNING
đź“ť Overview
This lesson plan (LP) introduces vocabulary and concepts related to service learning. Students explore four types of service learning and consider questions related to planning a service-learning project in their community.
đź“š TESOL Focus
This lesson plan (LP) focuses on the 21st Century Skills of collaboration and communication and guides teachers to:
- assess students' understanding of service learning
- create opportunities for students to practice collaboration and spontaneous speech
- guide students through the initial step of planning a possible service-learning project
🎯 Goals
As a result of this lesson, students will be able to:
- understand the difference between community service and service learning
- use vocabulary associated with service learning
- identify questions to answer before planning a service-learning project
đź“– Key Vocabulary
Below, you can find key vocabulary related to What is Service Learning? You will find a glossary of definitions on the last page of the downloadable lesson plan.
- collaboration
- collecting
- combination
- community
- communicate
- concerns
- confidence
- cooperate
- litter
- service
🔎 Inquiry Notebook Prompts
As students complete the lessons, they will document their research, observations, analyses, and reflections in Inquiry Notebooks.
On Page 3 of this lesson, you will find creative Inquiry Notebook Prompts to guide students' critical thinking and encourage them to reflect on someone they know who is a leader and what makes them a good leader. Involve students in their learning by letting them choose one inquiry prompt to answer before teaching the lesson plan.
On Page 3 of this lesson, you will find creative Inquiry Notebook Prompts to guide students' critical thinking and encourage them to reflect on someone they know who is a leader and what makes them a good leader. Involve students in their learning by letting them choose one inquiry prompt to answer before teaching the lesson plan.
🔊 Audio Recordings
You can find audio recorded versions of the reading text below. If you are unable to access any of the audio files, please contact [email protected].
- "Four Types of Service Learning" - male voice
- "Four Types of Service Learning" - female voice