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 skills

Intrapersonal skills

Skills of negotiation

Skills of communication

Skills 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?

Reflection

Will occurBeforeDuringAfter

Reflection will…

Assist learners in connecting the project to the course curriculum

Deepen the learning experience

Assessment

Everyone will assess the project.

Learners will assess the project in multiple ways.

Learner assessments

Success will be based on …the success of the projectthe skills and concepts developed

during the project

Keep this information in mind

As you choose a projectAs you plan your projectAs you execute the project