What is Service-Learning?

1. What is Service-Learning? National Service-Learning Clearinghouse www.servicelearning.org

2. National Commission on Service-Learning “…a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.”

3. Corporation for National and Community Service • Promotes learning through active participation • Provides structured time for students to reflect • Provides opportunities to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations • Extends learning beyond the classroom • Fosters a sense of caring for others Adapted from the National and Community Service Act of 1990

4. Volunteerism refers to people who choose to perform service for others Service-Learning specific learning objectives combined with needed service Youth Service generic term for involving youth as community resources Community Service common synonym for volunteering; also can be form of punishment Peer Helping youth serving other youth as mentors, mediators Experiential Education various teaching methods that emphasize hands-on learning Community-Based Learning experiences outside of the classroom What’s in a Name? Citation:A Practical Guide for Developing Agency/School Partnerships for Service-Learning (p. 6), Eugene Roehlkepartain, Points of Light Foundation & the National Youth Leadership Council

5. Example: Community Service If students remove trash from a streambed: they are providing a valuable service to the communityas volunteers

6. Example: Service-Learning When students remove trash from a streambed, • analyze what they found, • share the results and offer suggestions for the neighborhood to reduce pollution, • and then reflect on their experience THAT is service-learning!

7. Not Just Academic Service-learning can be, and is, implemented by national service, community and faith-based organizations,usinglearning objectives and structured reflection activities for their participants Programs such as: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, fraternities & sororities, 4-H, Scouts, after-school and church youth groups

8. All seek Combination of service and intentional learning objectives Changes in both recipients and providers of service All have different Interpretations Objectives Contexts Many Roads to Service-Learning

9. Service-Learning Is Not : • a stand-alone volunteer activity • just an add-on to existing curriculum • minimum service hours to graduate • service assigned as punishment • only for older students • only for students • one-sided

10. positive cooperative complex problem-solving challenge values critical thinking social development measurable outcomes cognitive skills meaningful Common Characteristics of Authentic Service-Learning

11. Added benefits of service-learning National studies suggest that students in effective service-learning programs: • improve academic grades • increase attendance in school • develop personal and social responsibility

12. Learn More About Service-learningwww.servicelearning.org • K-12 • Higher Ed • Community-based • Tribal nations 1-866-245-SERV (7378) info@servicelearning.org