The Joshua Tree Project- Guide to Successful Service Learning

Guide to Successful Service Learning

Table of Contents Topic

Page Number

What is Service Learning?

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Components of Service Learning Essential Elements of Quality Service Learning

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Preparation Collaboration

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Service

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Curriculum Integration

Reflection Celebration Evaluation About the Contents 2

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About the Authors Karlye Mull Project Facilitator, K-12 Social Studies, Curriculum and Professional Development, Clark County School District (NV)

Michael Lang English teacher, Preparatory Institute, School for Academic Excellence at Charles I. West Hall, Clark County School District (NV)

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What is Service Learning? “Any carefully monitored service experience in which a student has intentional learning goals, connected to the curriculum, and reflects actively on what he or she is learning throughout the experiences.� (Billig, 2000)

As educators, we are charged with instilling in our students the traits necessary to become great citizens for our democracy. Service learning is a very efficient way to encourage students to be more cognizant of the responsibilities they owe to themselves, their neighborhoods, their country, and the world.

When used correctly, students are presented with an opportunity that will integrate standards from a variety of subject areas, increase their communication skills and social abilities, as well as give them a sense of accomplishment that many are in dire need of. Service learning is a fantastic vehicle for achievement in any classroom for pupils of all ages.

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Necessary Components of Service Learning 

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Opportunities to interact with at-risk youth, in order to break down stereotypes.

Opportunity to reflect on experiences.

Establishing strong community connections.

Must benefit student academically and socially.

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Must commit time and energy.

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Adequate preparation time.

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Apply appropriate pedagogical practice.

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Faculty, administration, parent and community support are essential.

Essential Elements of Quality Service Learning 

Preparation

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Collaboration

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Service

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Curriculum integration

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Reflection

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Celebration

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Evaluation

(Wade, 2000)

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Preparation Decide what you’re cooking before you shop for the groceries! 

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Develop project and then connect to academic standards

Identify standards that will be met through project Contact community agencies, parents Consult with other teachers, administration Funding: grants, donations

Collaboration Develop Appropriate Skills : 

Cooperative Learning Skills (Kagan Strategies!)

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Interview Skills

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Conflict Resolution Strategies

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Decision Making Techniques

Identify Potential Partners: 

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School, neighborhood, local community agencies

Identify agency needs

Service 

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Must be more than a simple action Direct: working with others in the school or community Indirect: fund-raising, collection programs, adoption programs (social) Advocacy: projects that develop a students’ participation skills and community involvement (political)

Curriculum Integration Combine science, math, social studies and technology into one project (elementary) Identify the specific standards you are addressing in your project to meet project needs (secondary)

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Reflection 

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Allow process for students to make sense of what of they accomplished Identify assumptions, fears, stereotypes at beginning of project Continue reflection throughout project, by addressing challenges and discussing experiences Assess situation, thoughts and feelings continuously throughout project and draw conclusions at the end to connect experiences with course goals

Sample Questions 1.What new knowledge have you learned about this issue through your service experience?

2.What human needs or problems are created by this issue?

3.What historical events have been connected with this issue?

4.What is a good citizen?

5.What type of citizen do you think you will become?

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Is community service an essential component of good citizenship?

Celebration 

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Celebrate students efforts by publicizing their project, having a party, a fair, class celebration with parents and community members Allows students to see the impact of the project

Evaluation 

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Assess what students learned Make modifications to project Collect data in order to request more funds for next project

Just as our students need time to reflect, we as educators should take an opportunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our instruction. Service learning is not an easy thing to attempt, but after completing a project, make sure to take some time to evaluate the aspects of the project. Are there modifications that are needed to make the project run more smoothly? Is there a colleague or a community organization that you’d like to work with next time? Are there new sources of funding?

It is also important to consider both the quantitative and qualitative effects of the project. Creating some kind of exit survey for students to assess their attitude toward the project is always effective. You can do online for free using google docs.

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About the Contents The preceding was adapted from a presentation entitled: “Service Learning in the Social Studies Classroom.�

It was presented on February 3, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV.

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