Successful learning and effective community contributions depend upon a well-integrated package of syllabus, orientation, reflection and assessment. The syllabus must be developed to integrate service into the learning objectives of the course. Service learning projects should be mandatory or offered as an option among several class requirements. Projects should not be construed as extra credit. Give academic credit for learning, not service.
Academic courses give credit for the demonstration of academic learning.
Make sure that evaluative activities give students the opportunity to demonstrate how their service relates to the classroom. Set the learning and service goals ahead of time. Set forth what is to be learned during the service project and determine a reasonable number of service hours in order to meet these goals. A good guideline is five hours per credit. Establish some deadlines to discourage procrastination.