The ABC’s of Service Learning Serve Idaho Conference Boise, Idaho March 9 – 11, 2011

Overview Define Service

Learning (SL) Elements of SL Benefits of SL Steps to SL Essential Elements to

SL Service Learning

Themes

Service Learning…Going Beyond Serving the Community

Service Learning is more than... …a volunteer or community service program

with no ties to academics ...logging a certain number of service hours in

order to graduate ...only for high school or college students

Group ActivityBlue cards are “TERMS OF SERVICE”

Red cards are “DEFINITIONS”Tan cards are “EXAMPLES OF SERVICE”

As a group work together to match the proper terms with their definitions and examples.

Service Learning is… …a teaching and learning strategy that integrates

meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities

…a teaching/learning method that connects meaningful community service experiences with academic learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility.

Simply put, service learning connects school-based curriculum with the inherent caring and concern young people have for their world—whether on their school campus, at a local food bank, or in a distant rainforest.

The results are memorable, and provide lifelong lessons for students.

Service Learning as… …a teaching and learning method is a form of active

learning that values critical thinking and problem solving. Research shows that when service learning is effectively

implemented students gain in measures of academic achievement, citizenship, and character.

Service Learning Model B

Community Service to Service Learning

Community Service Service Learning Trash collection

along a river bank Taking water

samples, analyzing samples, documenting results and presenting them to local environmental quality agencies

Community Service to Service Learning

Community Service Service Learning Collecting winter

coats for local shelters

Research causes of poverty and homelessness, compare to local numbers, submit report to local community leaders

Learning Pyramid Retention Rate

Service Learning: FAQs How is SL different from community service or

volunteer work? Can SL be used for everyone? Or is it only for older

kids? Or gifted kids? How can I get my students interested in SL? Won’t SL just mean more work for me? SL means reaching out to the community. What is

community? How do I define it? I understand what SL means, but what does service

mean? Are there different kinds or categories of service? Is one type of service learning better than another? What do I do if I’ve been assigned to coordinate SL for

my grade/school/organization?

Research says Service Learning… Improves the overall school climate Provides opportunities for students to become

active, positive contributors to society Results in greater mutual respect of teachers

and students Helps students acquire academic skills and

knowledge Students who participate are more engaged in

their studies, more motivated to learn and more likely to graduate.

Benefits of Service Learning Benefits for students

and young people:  Increased motivation to

learn

Civic engagement

Sense of self-efficacy

Problem-solving skills

Career possibilities

Benefits of Service LearningBenefits for institutions

and communities: Connections School environments

and community support Mission and reach Staff and volunteers’

level of engagement and satisfaction

Positive relationships with young people

Decreased drop-out rates

Service Learning: Transforming the “Project” Into the “Experience”

Steps to Service Learning Planning/Preparation

Action

Reflection

Demonstration

Celebration

Planning/Preparation

I cannot predict the wind, but I can have my sail

ready.E.F. Schumacher, Author

Action

If you need a helping hand, you will find one at

the end of your arm.Yiddish Proverb

Reflection

To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it

and to render it more fit for its prime function of looking

forward.Margaret Fairless Barber, Author

Demonstration/Celebration

The job of an educator is to teach students to see

the vitality in themselves.Joseph Campbell, Author

Essential Elements to Service Learning Integrated Learning Meeting Genuine

Needs Youth Voice and

Choice Collaborative Efforts Reciprocity Civic Responsibility

K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice Meaningful service Link to Curriculum Reflection Diversity Youth Voice Partnerships Progress Monitoring Duration and Intensity

Service Learning: A Blueprint Step One: Points of

Entry Step Two: Map Out

Your Plans Step Three: Clarify

Partnerships Step Four: Review

Plans & Gather Resources

Step Five: Begin the Process of SL in Action

Step Six: Assess the SL Experience

Service Learning Outcomes

Service Learning: Themes AIDS Education &

Awareness Animals in

Danger Community

Safety Elderly Issues The Environment Gardening

Hunger & Homelessness

Immigrants Literacy Social Change:

Issues & Action Special Needs &

Disability

Group Activity Complete as much of the ABCs of Service

Learning as you can Present to group

Questions/Comments

Thank You!!!