Crafting of Service and Learning Objectives

It is important that we start off the planning process by setting clear goals. These goals will give us an idea of what to look out for and work towards in our service project. Take note that all goals set have to be SMART - specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and timebound. Read more about SMART goals here.

Service Objectives are what you hope to achieve for your service clients from the service provided. The service objectives set must clearly relate to the needs of the clients served. Hence, it is important that you conduct a thorough needs analysis in the investigation stage of the service cycle.

We should refrain from setting vague service objectives that do not meet the needs of the clients.

Bad example: To have fun with the seniors in the eldercare centre (how does this meet the needs of the clients?)

Good example: To plan at least 2 activities such that our clients get to interact with at least 1 individual over 1.5 hours

Learning Objectives are what we hope to learn from the service experience. They can take the form of skills that we hope to pick up or improve on, new understandings that we hope to gain about our community or relationships that we wish to build.

We should refrain from setting short and unclear learning objectives.

Bad example: I hope to improve on my communication skills.

Good example: I hope to develop the confidence to take the initiative and speak with new people I meet.

Consider how would success look like if both service and learning objectives are met. How would you know if you have achieved your goals? Discussing and writing this down would help your team decide on what to look out for during the action stage to determine if you have achieved your objectives.

Example:

• Service Objective: To plan and conduct 4 different types of activities for the seniors at the centre which will cater to the different interests of the seniors.
• How Would Success Look Like: All the seniors at the centre are engaged in the activities they take part in.
• Learning Objective: We hope to develop greater empathy for the elderly by understanding their challenges.
• How Would Success Look Like: At the end of the experience, we will each be able to describe 3 challenges the elderly face and 3 things to take note of when interacting with them.

References: Community Tool Box, University of Kansas; A handbook on service learning (National Youth Council, 2000)