Service Learning is a teaching and learning method that connects meaningful community service experiences with academic learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility. This powerful teaching methodology successfully unites classroom curriculum with identified community issues and needs. It is an opportunity for students to learn critical skills through project development, implementation and reflection. By participating in high quality Service Learning experiences, students learn the invaluable skill of being able to organize informaiton, resources and people in order to improve the community. It allows the students to take ownership of their learning by engaging them in their own education through experiential learning in course-related contexts, and fostering lifelong connections between students, their communities and the world outside the classroom.
For more information on the Mayerson Northern, KY Service Learning Initiative Click Here.
Benefits of Service Learning
Service-learning enriches the lives of all youth. This teaching methodology provides developmental opportunities that promote personal, social, and intellectual growth, as well as civic responsibility and career exploration. Most young people have critical needs in each of these areas that must be met if they are to make a successful transition from childhood to adulthood. Studies have validated the positive effects of service-learning on at-risk students (Follman, 1998; O'Bannon, 1999). It has proven to be particularly effective in reducing teen pregnancy (Kirby, 2001; Melchior, 1999). Students are more apt to vote and become politically active if they participate in service-learning activities (Morgan & Streb, 2001).
Key Elements of Successful Service Learning Programs
Pearson (2002) and Shumer (1997) have identified several facets of a successful Service-Learning program:
- A variety of learning materials and instructional methods are used;
- There is time for reflection;
- Alternative assessments are used;
- Students are involved in the curricular planning;
- Students apply their knowledge and skills to a community need;
- Semester- or year-long projects have more impact; and
- Service-learning is fun.
Service Learning can transform schools into "places of active learning, connected to people and programs in the community, inviting young people to become excited about the possibilities of helping others while helping themselves at the same time" (Shumer & Duckenfield, 2004, p. 162).
[Reference: http://www.dropoutprevention.org/effstrat/service_learning/overview.htm ]
Children, Inc. is a pround partner of the National Service Learning Conference
Service Learning Training
