LINC Information Sheet #5

Service Learning Overview

A DEFINITION

Service Learning is a method of teaching and learning whereby participants learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service.

COMPONENTS OF SERVICE LEARNING

Preparation is the action or process of getting ready for something. Participants must gather the facts, learn required skills, and design a clear plan of action. Preparation is key in providing a successful service learning experience for participants.
Action is the actual service activity -- the implementation of the action plan developed by the participants. The service must meet a specific need in the community, and be meaningful and challenging.
Reflection may be the most important part of service learning. It provides participants the opportunity to think about their service experience after each service activity through discussion, journal keeping, art, etc.
Celebration is a time for participants to be recognized for their accomplishments. Celebration encourages on-going participation by youth and senior adult participants. Celebration and recognition are an on-going art of every successful service learning program.

TECHNIQUES FOR WORKING WITH TEACHERS

1. Find out what teachers are doing in service learning and congratulate their work.

2. Communicate with teachers and faculty. Involve them in project planning and invite them to participate in project implementation.

3. Remind teachers that service learning is a method of teaching . . .not an 'add-on'!

4. Train teachers and faculty in the service learning concept. They are more likely to support your program if they understand it.

5. Take the time to get to know creative and innovative teachers them to pilot a service learning project.

6. Ask involved teachers to share their experiences at faculty meetings.

7. Focus on interested teachers. Do not be discouraged by teachers who do not buy into the service learning concept.

8. Help students and senior adult volunteers develop projects that meet specific needs in their community.

9. Celebrate and reward success and improvement.

TECHNIQUES FOR WORKING WITH AGENCIES

1. Be prepared. Know the agency's mission, needs, and clients. How is the partnership mutually beneficial? Be clear about what the agencies role will be.

2. Communicate with the agency regularly.

3. Develop a sense of ownership by involving agencies from the beginning of the project.

4. Facilitate relationships between the agencies and the schools.

5. Invite agencies that don't have the time to help implement a project to sit on your board or provide space, time, volunteer hours, or resources.

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©1998 Strom Thurmond Institute

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