SLT Introduction

8/7/2019 SLT Introduction

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introduction to fsd Service Learning Tripsfor group leaders and program participants

What is Service Learning?

Service-learning combines service objectives with learning objectives

with the intent that the activity change both the recipient and the

provider of the service. This is accomplished by combining service tasks

with structured opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-

discovery, and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content.'

FSDService Learning Trips (SLT) are based on two important principles:

• To provide short-term, high-impact effort to the on-going development projects.

• To provide student groups with an introduction to grassroots international development and

the opportunity to participate in community-driven solutions.

The information outlined in this guide will introduce the FSD'sSLTPrinciples, Framework, Key

Components, SLT Development Steps and how FSDSLTssupport our approach to international

sustainable development.



Principles

Provide short-term, high-impact effort to ongoing

development projects.

FSD's approach promotes long-term sustainable development initiatives. Projects

supported by the FSD programs are designed to utilize community resources and

community participants and to limit reliance on outside assistance. Certain projects

require short-term, high-impact effort that cannot be fulfilled limited resources

available to our partner organizations. The FSD SLT program can contribute to this

need: Organizations can take advantages of many hands and many minds to tackle

projects that require the high sweat equity and the enthusiasm brought by student

groups. In this way, the SLTs promote FSD's sustainable approach by catalyzing or

accelerating progress in sustainable development programs.

Provide student groups with an introduction to grass-

roots international development and the opportunity

to participate in community-driven solutions.

By combining coursework and fieldwork, the SLTsallow students to put theory into

practice, gain exposure to development principles and approaches, and improve their

understanding of development project lifecycles. Reflection and evaluation provide a

forum for students to critically analyze information learned in the classroom andassess practical outcomes. Exposure to grassroots community-driven approaches

help to formulate a theory base for students to consider solutions to the challenges

that face communities the world over. Students leave SLTswith a strong introduction

to the skills and tools needed in the international development profession. They also

gain experience firsthand in the development of community- driven projects and

understand a development practice based in self-identifying information gathering

and skills exchange.



Framework

The SLT program complements coursework and preparation with a practical projectimplemented in partnership with community-based organizations. The in-country

phase involves one to two short-term service projects along with supplementary

lectures, site visits, workshops, and cultural activities to reinforce the learning and

immersion experience. Groups return to collectively reflect on the experience, raise

awareness in their communities, fundraise to continue support for their projects, and

much more.

The overarching framework for the SLT program is the "PAREmodel" for

Preparation, Action, Reflection, and Evaluation

PREPARATION ACTION

Pr,eparatllornl Actllornl IR,efl!ect' lo:11I Evalluatllornl EVAL UATION

REFLECTION

Preparation takes place in the classroom, Action kicks off when the group arrives in-

country, and Reflection and Evaluation begins at the end of the project and continue

through the return of the group.

Following the same concept, students implement the PARE the discrete service

projects. Following these stages for each project enforces attention to and

completion of a full project lifecycle and collaboration with community partners.

Through this process, students gain understanding of best practices in development

project management, implementation, and evaluation and the importance of each

stage of this framework.



Key Components

Direct Service

Providing direct service to organizations is the focal point of the SLT. One to two

service projects will be executed depending on the length of trip and community

project needs. Examples of service learning projects include:

• Providing technical training to NGOssuch as a computer literacy workshops

• Building new bunk beds for an orphanage or renovating a woman's shelter

• Participating in health outreach campaigns

Service projects are developed to compliment, catalyze, or accelerate development

programs.

Beyond implementing project work, FSD has structured activities by which student

groups may experientially learn about development and culture in a format that best

fits their interests and knowledge base. These activities include any of the following:

Site Visits

In addition to the organizations where groups provide direct service, FSD has

relationships with numerous other NGOjGROjCBOs (non governmental, grassroots

and community based-organizations). Site visits to these organizations offer

students the opportunity to learn how other organizations in the community are

addressing similar or other community needs, promote education on how

development issues are interlinked in target communities, and provide exposure to

other development sectors.



Learning Activities

Speakers, panels, and workshops are provided by specialists in the fields related to

the groups' interests. These specialists come from local NGOs and universities and

offer an essential perspective for understanding local development issues and the

ways they are being addressed.

Skills training

In preparation for the project, FSD will share best practices for addressing

development projects. Groups will be educated on the theory and practice of

performing needs assessments, on how to conduct community mapping, creating

project workplans, and how to evaluate a projects outcomes. These skills will be put

into practice during the SLT and will be a foundation for developing a skill set for

future development work.

Group Discussions

Structured time for group discussions allow the group to reflect on their experience

from the coursework and field work. These sessions stimulate the group to consider

the learning topics addressed in the academic setting and learning experience

through direct experience. Group break out sessions are facilitated by the Group

Leaders to add continuity to the coursework.

Cultural Immersion

The foundation of a successful SLT lies in cultural sensitivity and awareness.

Students will receive orientation, stay with host families, and attend local cultural

events to heighten their awareness and appreciation. FSD also hosts local guest

speakers to present on local, social, and political topics, and moderates group

discussions how cultural values can support and/or limit sustainable development.

Materials

SLTs are typically supplemented with selected readings, current event studies, and

development literature that inform students of critical information. FSD can help

prepare the group for its volunteer work abroad with materials on the overall

development landscape and the context of their SLT community.



SLT Development

Student Group Leaders complete the SLT application to identify their group's

objectives and goals for the program. FSD aligns the educational interests to a

corresponding community project through consultation with the FSD Site Teams and

community partners.

Once the project has been identified, FSD provides the group with the Project

Description and Cultural Guide to their host country. FSD works with the Group

Leaders to recommend how the curriculum for the coursework can be enhanced or

adapted to prepare best prepare the students for the experience and maximize thein

contribution to the project. The student group, FSD staff, and community partners

will collaborate on project design.

To compliment the student classroom work, FSD finalizes the speakers, site visits,

and cultural activities to fulfill the educational outcomes the group wishes to achieve

during the Trip. A full itinerary for the SLT will be developed one month before the

start of the program.

The Group Leaders will work with FSD to ensure that the projects and activities lend

to the learning experience of the participants while meeting community needs and

achieving project outcomes. The Group Leaders will drive discussions that relate the

learning experience to the classroom experience. Reflection sessions amongst thegroup members will promote these conversations.

At the end of the trip, the FSDand the Student Group will discuss ways in which the

group can continue to support the project through advocacy and fundraising once the

group has returned to its home community.



Roles and responsibilities

The SLT program is a collaboration among community partner organizations, FSD,Student Groups and their Universities. Understanding the responsibilities of each

stakeholder will build the foundation of an equally supportive and mutually beneficial

relationship and promote the goals of sustainable development.

Community partner organizations

• Based on community needs, FSDpartner organizations identify development

projects' needs, goals, and outcomes.

• Working with FSDsite team, partner organizations and student groups

exchange ideas on how to design the project so that resources are most

optimally utilized.

• Partner organization representatives oversee service projects to ensure project

outcomes and their community's best interests are central to the service work.

FSD

• FSDacts as liaison between partner organizations and the Student Group

during project planning and preparation, and provides technical input to project

planning.

• FSDdevelops a program itinerary that incorporates service projects and

complimentary activities to meet the educational outcomes of the group and

the community needs.

• FSD provides logistical support and infrastructure for the Student Group.

Student Groups and University

• Student Groups work with university resources and faculty to determine

educational outcomes and curriculum for course and field work.

• Group Leaders manage the exchange of information with FSDand the partner

organization during the preparation stage.

• Group Leaders are student coordinators, lead group discussions and reflection

sessions, manage the conduct of the group, and organize advocacy efforts upon

return.



Why FSD Service Learning Trips?

Service Learning Trips are not simply "alternative spring break trips" or "volunteervacations." These types of programs offer benefits to foreign volunteers - such as in

broadening their world perspective and offering a chance to contribute to a cause,

but the long-term advantages are often one-sided. While volunteers approach these

programs with the best intentions, actually the community can be negatively

impacted by their presence and methods.

FSD recognizes how short term, top-down, foreign influence can impose

unconstructive influences on local communities who strive to cultivate long-term

sustainable efforts from within. FSD is committed to working with communities from

the "bottom-up." By working in partner with locally managed, community-based

organizations, FSD listens to the needs expressed by the community and designs its

methods to meet community goals.

Service projects add value to on-going needs of community organizations, expanding

existing programs or piloting new initiatives. Organizations and groups work together

to achieve project outcomes while increasing knowledge, building capacity, and

promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Through FSDSLTs, students gain practical experience in key development skills and

participate in community -driven sustainable development. Our SLTs not only open

student minds and develop skills but result in long lasting benefits to for the people

welcoming FSDinto their communities.

1 http:((www.servicelearning.org/what is service-Iearning/index.php

SLT Introduction

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