Where am I?
Key Elements
Key Elements of Service-Learning
* Important rule of thumb: If a student can do it, an adult should not!
BRAINSTORMING
What is community?
What is community service?
What is volunteering?
Have you ever volunteered? Where? Doing what?
What is service-learning?
List some differences between community service and service-learning.
FOCUS ON THE TOPIC
What issues are important to you?
What do you think your community needs?
Community walk-about
Surveys
Current events
Interview community leaders, agency volunteer directors
What are the most pressing issues?
What issues do you think would affect you?
Which issues do you think you can affect?
Which of these issues could become a service project?
INVESTIGATE THE TOPIC
What are some of the areas we could study while doing this project?
What do you want to learn the most from this project?
Who may already be working on these issues? (Can they assist in planning this project?)
What agencies may have information to share either through literature or speakers?
What other resources are available?
Library
Sate or Federal agencies
Local government
Internet
Newspaper, other articles
DESIGN A PLAN
If you have not already discussed your ideas with the agency you wish to work with, DO IT NOW!!!
Look at realities of what you can do:
Transportation
Funds
Manpower
Adult supervision
Liability
Materials needed
LINKING CURRICULUM AND SERVICE
Which subjects can you integrate into the service? OR What types of service will fit into your curriculum?
What course goals can you attain through this service?
What teaching objectives can be met through this service?
Where can you link to Show Me Standards?
What character education goals can you meet?
Has a civic component been added?
How can service enhance this course?
Can you do direct, indirect or advocacy types of service?
Have you developed a service project that is meeting the needs of your community?
What do students need to know or understand before implementing this service project?
IMPLEMENT THE PLAN
EVALUATION/REFLECTION/CELEBRATION
Evaluation and reflection are ongoing throughout the project
Portfolios
Videotaping
Journals
Class discussions
One-on-one discussions
Presentations
Celebration
Include agency you worked with
Certificate, pins, awards
Reception
Banners, posters
News coverage
Invite administration to view
Is it service learning?… the four point test:
1. Young people must be involved and empowered in all phases of the project.
2. The project must deliver a genuine service to the community.
3. The project must be linked to classroom learning.
4. The project must include reflection and evaluation.