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What is Service Learning?
Service Learning combines community service projects with academic and social learning. Students will learn about the history and needs of the agency they are helping, and also see the positive changes that their involvement can make. By incorporating different aspects of learning into community service, students become invested in their work and are more likely to stay committed to the cause.
Traditionally, students have participated in community service projects without really knowing much about the agency/cause they are helping. A class may want to help animals, for example, so they raise money for the local animal shelter—yet the project ends when the money is raised and the teacher sends the check to the shelter. Most students have never visited the shelter, and will never really know how the money will be used. Students involved in Service Learning, however, would visit the shelter or meet a shelter employee via a classroom visit; they’ll also learn the shelter's history, become involved in how the funds will be used and learn how they can help the shelter in the future. A concrete relationship between the students and the shelter will be built, and students can take pride in knowing how their efforts directly helped the animals. Service Learning not only benefits students, but teachers and community recipients as well. Teachers will have more success with students who are engaged in their projects, and students will learn more about their community agencies. It's a win-win situation for all. |
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