Getting Started in Service Learning

Lemons to Lemonade ProgramAlex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation2009

Clarifying terms

Community Service

Community based learning

Volunteer

Community service learning

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

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

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

Types of Service

DirectDirect - working directly with people

IndirectIndirect - fund-raisers and collection programs

EducationEducation - teaching those who are affected by the problem or those who can make a difference

AdvocacyAdvocacy - advocating for change through social or political channels (e.g. letter writing, petitions, lobbying, campaigns)

Principles of high qualityservice-learning

collaborative

analytical

intellectual

activist

multicultural

Student

centered

Valuebased

experiential

Student-centered

State their opinions

Make choices

Make connectionsto their lives

Collaborative with classmates

with the recipientsof the service

on the design andconduct of theproject

Experiential

Actively engage in: needs assessment research project development service activities

IntellectualSeek out a variety of sources with multiple perspectives

Study and analyze the

issue

Use subject matter skills and knowledge

Analytical

Examine the root causes of the problem

Consider whose voices

have been excluded

Examine their own role in the problem

MulticulturalTake an inclusive approach to the problem

Understand the issue from diverse perspectives

Involve a diversity of people in working together

Value-based

Acknowledge the controversial nature of aspects of the problem

Examine and discussthe values involved

Activist

Engage in direct action as well as advocacy or social change efforts

Aim to create a more

socially just society and world

Begin a project with this winning trio

communityneed

students'interest

+ +yourcurriculum

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

Next Steps... PlanningPlan 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

Keys to effective collaboration

Ask about needsOffer to helpStart smallMeet face to faceShare responsibilitiesReflect and adjustWork toward mutual ownership

Reflection and Assessment

Reflective thinkingConnecting theory to

practiceLearning from

experiencePersonal developmentUnderstanding of

course content

Students’ learning and attitudes from service

Students’ learning of course content and skills from service