Guide to Successful Service Learning

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Table of Contents Topic Page Number

What is Service Learning?

Components of Service Learning Essential Elements of Quality Service Learning

Preparation Collaboration

Service Curriculum Integration

Reflection Celebration

Evaluation About the Contents

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Karlye Mull Project Facilitator, K-12 Social Studies, Curriculum and Professional Development, Clark County School District (NV)

Michael Lang English teacher, Preparatory Institute, School for Academic Excellence at Charles I. West Hall, Clark County School District (NV)

About the Authors

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What is Service Learning?

“Any carefully monitored service experience in which a student has intentional learning goals,

connected to the curriculum, and reflects ac-tively on what he or she is learning throughout

the experiences.” (Billig, 2000)

As educators, we are charged with instilling in our students the traits necessary to become great citizens for our democracy. Service learning is a very efficient way to encourage students to be more cognizant of the re-sponsibilities they owe to themselves, their neighborhoods, their country, and the world.

When used correctly, students are presented with an opportunity that will integrate standards from a variety of subject areas, increase their com-munication skills and social abilities, as well as give them a sense of accom-plishment that many are in dire need of. Service learning is a fantastic ve-hicle for achievement in any classroom for pupils of all ages.

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Necessary Components of Service Learning

Opportunities to interact with at-risk youth, in order to break down stereotypes.

Opportunity to reflect on experiences.

Establishing strong community connec-tions.

Must benefit student academically and socially.

Must commit time and energy.

Adequate preparation time.

Apply appropriate pedagogical practice.

Faculty, administration, parent and com-munity support are essential.

Essential Elements of Quality Service Learning

Preparation

Collaboration

Service

Curriculum integration

Reflection

Celebration

Evaluation

(Wade, 2000)

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Preparation Decide what you’re cooking before you shop for the groceries!

Develop project and then connect to academic standards

Identify standards that will be met through project

Contact community agencies, parents

Consult with other teachers, administra-tion

Funding: grants, donations

Collaboration

Develop Appropriate Skills : Cooperative Learning Skills

(Kagan Strategies!)

Interview Skills Conflict Resolution Strategies

Decision Making Techniques

Identify Potential Partners: School, neighborhood, local

community agencies

Identify agency needs

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Service Must be more than a simple action

Direct: working with others in the school or community

Indirect: fund-raising, collection programs, adoption programs (social)

Advocacy: projects that develop a students’ participation skills and community involvement (political)

Curriculum Integration

Combine science, math, so-cial studies and technology into one project (elementary) Identify the specific stan-dards you are addressing in your project to meet project needs (secondary)

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Allow process for students to make sense of what of they accomplished

Identify assumptions, fears, stereotypes at beginning of project

Continue reflection throughout project, by addressing challenges and discussing experiences

Assess situation, thoughts and feelings continuously throughout project and draw conclusions at the end to connect experiences with course goals

Reflection

Sample Questions 1.What new knowledge have you learned about this issue

through your service experience? 2.What human needs or problems are created by this issue? 3.What historical events have been connected with this issue? 4.What is a good citizen? 5.What type of citizen do you think you will become? 6. Is community service an essential component of good citi-

zenship?

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Celebration

Celebrate students efforts by publicizing their project, having a party, a fair, class celebration with parents and com-munity members

Allows students to see the impact of the project

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Evaluation

Assess what students learned Make modifications to project Collect data in order to request more funds for next project

Just as our students need time to reflect, we as educators should take an oppor-tunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our instruction. Service learning is not an easy thing to attempt, but after completing a project, make sure to take some time to evaluate the aspects of the project. Are there modifications that are needed to make the project run more smoothly? Is there a colleague or a community organi-zation that you’d like to work with next time? Are there new sources of funding?

It is also important to consider both the quantitative and qualitative effects of the project. Creating some kind of exit survey for students to assess their attitude toward the project is always effective. You can do online for free using google docs.

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About the Contents

The preceding was adapted from a pres-entation entitled: “Service Learning in the Social Studies

Classroom.” It was presented on February 3, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV.