Module 2: Types of WIL in Canada
Module 2
9. Service Learning
What is Service Learning?
Service Learning, often called Community Service Learning (CSL), is a form of work-integrated learning (WIL) that integrates meaningful volunteer service with classroom instruction and critical reflection. Students address real community needs while achieving course learning objectives.
These unpaid placements or projects are typically part-time, short-term, and integrated into academic coursework. Projects can be initiated by either the organization or the post-secondary institution (PSI).
Examples include:
- Supporting local nonprofit organizations with event planning or communications
- Assisting with program evaluations or survey analysis
- Designing public engagement campaigns
- Collaborating on fundraising or social media strategy
Key Features
- Unpaid, part-time (typically 3 to 4 hours per week over one term)
- Mandatory and credit-bearing
- No competitive hiring process
- Faculty-directed and includes student reflection activities
- Evaluation is led by the PSI
- Can be individual or group-based
- May be in person, virtual, or hybrid
Why Choose Service Learning?
Service learning allows your organization to collaborate meaningfully with students while advancing your community-focused goals. According to CEWIL, the top ways service learning can support your business objectives include:
- Accessing innovative ideas that enhance impact
- Completing short-term projects with minimal supervision
- Receiving resource support for new or existing initiatives
- Providing leadership development opportunities for your staff
- Forming reciprocal partnerships with local institutions
CSL is particularly useful for nonprofit organizations, public organizations, and small businesses seeking student support without formal hiring or intensive supervision.
Project Lifecycle
Service learning follows a structured four-stage engagement process:
- Onboarding: Begin conversations early with your PSI contact to align student learning objectives with your organization’s needs. Clarify expectations, project scope, risk management, and available resources. Often a formal agreement or letter of understanding may be required.
- Midpoint Check-In: Conduct a brief, informal check-in with students and PSI staff to ensure the project is on track. Use this time to address any concerns and provide feedback to support student learning.
- Final Assessment: Participate in a final evaluation, which may include surveys, reports, or informal conversations. Your feedback may influence the student’s course grade and help shape future project improvements.
- Offboarding: Review student work and assess opportunities for future collaboration. Some partners continue to work with students through new placements or extended projects. Others may choose to recruit students for future roles.
Real-World Examples
- iSisters, an Ottawa-based nonprofit organization, partnered with the University of Ottawa graduate students to create a digital campaign for its 20th anniversary. Many students’ recommendations were implemented within weeks.
- At Brock University, neuropsychology students collaborated virtually with seniors to co-create music playlists through the Music and Memory program, helping address isolation and enhance well-being.
- Ontario Tech University students joined the Love Your Lake initiative, to clean and analyze waste patterns along Lake Ontario. Students provided research-informed recommendations to improve environmental sustainability.