Best Practices in Service Learning

Learning is integrated.Objectives of the course are gained through the service learning project.Skills may be practiced.Dispositions may be tested.Learning styles may be challenged.In our case, learning what teaching means may be expanded upon.

Life skills are developedInterpersonal skillsIntrapersonal skillsSkills of negotiationSkills of communicationSkills of collaboration

Service learning is responsive.Projects represent needs of the community and needs of the learners.Both learners and community benefit.During the project both learners and community respond to the input and needs of one another.

Service learning is organized.Needs are expressed.Plans are made.Surprises should not happen due to lack of organization.Plans are adapted as needed with approval.

Service learning is collaborative.Learners collaborate with the community agency.Learners collaborate among themselves.Learners may find others within the community with whom to collaborate.

The agency and learners benefit.The project is developed in order to benefit both parties.The commitment is more intensive than a few volunteer hours.The more you give to this project, the more you will benefit.

Service learning promotes civic responsibility.Caring for others and the community is essential.How is this type of caring reflected in the work of a teacher?

ReflectionWill occurBeforeDuringAfter

Reflection will…Assist learners in connecting the project to the course curriculumDeepen the learning experience

AssessmentEveryone will assess the project.Learners will assess the project in multiple ways.

Learner assessmentsSuccess will be based on …the success of the projectthe skills and concepts developed during the project

Keep this information in mindAs you choose a projectAs you plan your projectAs you execute the project