There is some confusion about the definitions of community service and service learning. The term service learning gets thrown around quite a bit, an educational buzz word at times used to describe virtually anything that involves some type of service to the community. But what are the actual differences?

Many may have heard of the popular resource book from Harry Wong titled, “The First Days of School.” In the book, the author urges teachers that effective classroom management takes modeling, repetition, and most importantly, preparation!

That is why the first days of service learning are so important to the effectiveness of the projects, activities, and learning that will ensue.

The Dean of the College of Education at Grand Valley State University holds a Professional Advisory Council (PAC) meeting every two years, inviting superintendants and principals from the tri-county area to help the College of Education with feedback about pre-service teachers. This year’s focus was on service-learning, and as an added bonus, all who participated were able to be a part of a workshop/presentation by international service-learning consultant Cathryn Berger Kaye.

Students and teachers at three Grand Rapids Public Schools worked to give a little warmth to those in need. Along the way, they learned that in order to get a little help, you need communication skills, determination, and the ability to see a project through.

Some younger students may not have much experience with senior citizens beyond their own grandparents. They may also be confused or even frightened when confronted with having to navigate through a retirement community if they are not familiar with their surroundings.

Is service-learning just "One More Thing?" Why can't it be the same thing?

For teachers, adding things to the plate can many times mean cramming things into an already tight space. Imagine the well-worn image of the overfilled suitcase. So when teachers are bombarded with program after program, the mantra becomes: One More Thing.