Getting Started in Service Learning

1. Lemons to Lemonade Program Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation 2009 Getting Started in Service Learning

2. Clarifying terms Volunteer Community Service Community based learning Community service learning

3. Community Service-Learning Definition: A method by which people participate in service experiences that address school or community needs while also learning academic skills and/or content connected to the service, and engaging in structured reflection on the service experience

4. Service-learning outcomes authentic learning self-esteem social responsibility academic learning communication skills collaboration skills learning from experience future civic participation

5. CSL Essential Elements Preparation Collaboration Student Ownership Service Curriculum Integration Reflection Celebration Evaluation

6. Types of Service Direct- working directly with people Indirect- fund-raisers and collection programs Education-teaching those who are affected by the problem or those who can make a difference Advocacy - advocating for change through social or political channels (e.g. letter writing, petitions, lobbying, campaigns)‏

7. Principles of high qualityservice-learning Value based intellectual collaborative analytical activist experiential Student centered multicultural

8. Student-centered State their opinions Make choices Make connections to their lives

9. Collaborative with classmates with the recipients of the service on the design and conduct of the project

10. Experiential Actively engage in: needs assessment research project development service activities

11. Intellectual Seek out a variety of sources with multiple perspectives Study and analyze the issue Use subject matter skills and knowledge

12. Analytical Examine the root causes of the problem Consider whose voices have been excluded Examine their own role in the problem

13. Multicultural Take an inclusive approach to the problem Understand the issue from diverse perspectives Involve a diversity of people in working together

14. Value-based Acknowledge the controversial nature of aspects of the problem Examine and discuss the values involved

15. Activist Engage in direct action as well as advocacy or social change efforts Aim to create a more socially just society and world

16. Begin a project with this winning trio your curriculum community need students' interest + +

17. How do K-12 projects begin? Community problem or need School problem or need Area or agency near the school Teacher interest Parent or student interest Curriculum connection Current events issue

18. Next Steps... Planning Plan for learning and service Involve community partners and students Map out roles, responsibilities and time line Plan ahead for reflection and assessment Build in time for collaboration

19. Keys to effective collaboration Ask about needs Offer to help Start small Meet face to face Share responsibilities Reflect and adjust Work toward mutual ownership

20. Reflection and Assessment Reflective thinking Connecting theory to practice Learning from experience Personal development Understanding of course content Students’ learning and attitudes from service Students’ learning of course content and skills from service