What is Service Learning?

What is service learning?

 

Service learning is MUCH more than community service.  Service learning must include the following components: Preparation, Action, and Reflection.  These three components must be a part of the experience in order to qualify for service learning.

 

Preparation: Students prepare for their service by learning about the issue, building their skills and knowledge, and developing an action plan for service.

 

Action: Students engage in meaningful service by working on a project that will make a difference in their community and is tied to their classroom curriculum.

 

Reflection: Teachers enable students to analyze and make sense of their experience through discussion, journaling, and presentation opportunities.

 

Service Learning provides students will an opportunity to connect with their community and learn how education relates to social issues and can create change.  Students are learning to look at service through education in order to understand root causes of an issue and to reflect upon how their service affects others.