How to Write a Service-Learning Project Paper

Some schools recognize that learning can take place outside of the classroom and require their students to complete a volunteer activity. If your school subscribes to this teaching method, you may find yourself charged with the task of writing a service-learning paper. In a paper of this sort, you must not only report on what happened during your volunteer service, but also explain how this experience has had an impact on you.

Write down details of your service event immediately after it takes place. Take a notebook and writing implement with you to ensure that you can jot down these notes while they are still fresh in your head. If something happens during the experience, writing it down as soon as you can will greatly enhance the content of your paper.

Highlight the ideas that you most want to include in your report. Make sure that you select enough information to fulfill the length of the paper. For example, if the assignment is going to be one page, you may be able to compose it with only three or four important details. If it is going to be longer, you will need to include substantially more information.

Describe the experience in the introduction. Tell where and when the experience took place, as well as who it involved.

Delve deeper into the experience in the body. In this part of the essay, discuss the specific items you highlighted. As you discuss these events or parts of the experience, include your personal reflections to clarify how the service time personally affected you.

Conclude the essay by explaining what you have learned. In the final paragraph, sum up any lasting lessons you have acquired as a result of your experience, explaining how this information will impact your future.

Revise and edit your paper for clarity. Take time to review the paper carefully to ensure that it serves as a polished reflection of your experience.