According
to the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, Service-Learning is a teaching
and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with
instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic
responsibility, and strengthen communities.
Through
service-learning, young people—from preschool to college students—use what they
learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. They not only learn the
practical applications of their studies, they become actively contributing
citizens and community members through the service they perform.
Service-learning
can be applied in a wide variety of settings, including schools, universities,
and community-based and faith-based organizations. It can involve a group of
students, a classroom or an entire school. Students build character and become
active participants as they work with others in their school and community to
create service projects in areas such as education, public safety, and the environment.
Community
members, students, and educators everywhere are discovering that
service-learning offers all its participants a chance to take part in the
active education of youth while simultaneously addressing the concerns, needs,
and hopes of communities.
FAQ’s
What is
service-learning?
Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.
Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.
What is the difference
between service-learning and community service?
Community service participants volunteer for the primary or sole purpose of meeting the needs of others and bettering the community as a whole. Young people engaged in high quality service-learning meet the needs of their communities while increasing their academic achievement. Service-learning students also take part in structured time to investigate community needs, thoughtful planning of the service project, and guided reflection regarding the relationship between their service experience and their more traditional in-class learning. Overall, the most important feature of effective service-learning programs is that students engage equally with learning and service and reflect on their intersections.
Community service participants volunteer for the primary or sole purpose of meeting the needs of others and bettering the community as a whole. Young people engaged in high quality service-learning meet the needs of their communities while increasing their academic achievement. Service-learning students also take part in structured time to investigate community needs, thoughtful planning of the service project, and guided reflection regarding the relationship between their service experience and their more traditional in-class learning. Overall, the most important feature of effective service-learning programs is that students engage equally with learning and service and reflect on their intersections.
Where does
service-learning occur?
Service-learning programs are found in all subjects and grade levels and in a wide range of community-based organizations. The Cedar Valley benefited in a variety of ways from service learning programs. Some examples include: A preschool group beautified the ground of their center. A fifth grade class in Waterloo partnered with residents of a nursing home, interviewed and wrote life stories about the residents. A high school group in Cedar Falls created a web page designed to educate people about the issue of child abuse.
Service-learning programs are found in all subjects and grade levels and in a wide range of community-based organizations. The Cedar Valley benefited in a variety of ways from service learning programs. Some examples include: A preschool group beautified the ground of their center. A fifth grade class in Waterloo partnered with residents of a nursing home, interviewed and wrote life stories about the residents. A high school group in Cedar Falls created a web page designed to educate people about the issue of child abuse.
Can service-learning
occur in community-based settings?
Yes. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is actively involved in having students at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley participate in service learning projects as part of an after school program. Last year a youth group at a local church participated in a service learning program. Students at a local middle school conducted mini classes at the Waterloo Public Library for students in the after school programs at the Salvation Army and Boys and Girls Clubs. Two groups at North Star participated in a service learning program this summer. Service Learning can occur anywhere there are interested, committed people.
Yes. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is actively involved in having students at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley participate in service learning projects as part of an after school program. Last year a youth group at a local church participated in a service learning program. Students at a local middle school conducted mini classes at the Waterloo Public Library for students in the after school programs at the Salvation Army and Boys and Girls Clubs. Two groups at North Star participated in a service learning program this summer. Service Learning can occur anywhere there are interested, committed people.
Is service-learning just
for certain students?
No! Service-learning is for everyone. Service-learning is an effective teaching method for all students, including gifted and talented students, special education students, students with disabilities, at-risk youth, youth in inclusive classrooms, and students in alternative education.
No! Service-learning is for everyone. Service-learning is an effective teaching method for all students, including gifted and talented students, special education students, students with disabilities, at-risk youth, youth in inclusive classrooms, and students in alternative education.
How can I be sure that
service-learning is a part of my child’s education?
Talk to teachers and administrators to find out whether service-learning is already taking place at your child’s school. If it’s not, consider presenting on service-learning to your school board or PTA.
Talk to teachers and administrators to find out whether service-learning is already taking place at your child’s school. If it’s not, consider presenting on service-learning to your school board or PTA.
How widespread is service-learning in the United States?
- 24 percent of
America's elementary and secondary schools have adopted service-learning
programs.
- 35 states have
adopted some form of service-learning policy–either a mandatory,
state-wide policy or one granting districts the freedom to create their
own.
- At least a
quarter of all higher education institutions and more than half of all
community colleges have adopted service-learning programs.
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