An Introduction to ServiceLearning Angie Martnez Bernard Gill

An Introduction to Service-Learning Angie Martínez Bernard Gill November 15, 2006

What is Service-learning? Former U. S. Senator and astronaut, John Glenn recently described service-learning as “academics in action. ” It is a method of teaching that enriches learning by engaging youths in meaningful service to their schools and communities through careful integration with established curricula and/or learning objectives. A Philosophy Service-learning embraces young people as a community resource and asset. It views all people in a democratic society as citizens with the capacity to contribute – no matter their age. A Community Development Model Service-learning takes on real issues such as pollution control, hunger and homelessness, and diversity. Communities change for the better when service and learning are joined. As well as a Teaching and Learning Method Service-Learning is a form of active learning that values critical thinking and problemsolving. It involves taking the content from the classroom and putting it to work in the community. Research shows that when service-learning is effectively implemented, youths gain in measures of academic achievement, school engagement, citizenship and character.

What is Service-Learning? Cleaning up a river is service. Sitting in a science classroom, looking at water samples under a microscope is learning. Youths taking samples from local water sources, analyzing the samples, documenting the results and presenting scientific findings to a local pollution control agency to not only call for action, but to develop a project to correct the problem is service-learning.

Service-Learning Research Based Principles of Effective Practice (2005) • • Curriculum Integration Diversity Meaningful Service Reflection Youth Voice Process Monitoring Duration Community Partnership

Service-Learning Cycle NOW WHAT? New Application New Understanding SO WHAT? Analysis Identifying a Project Post-Service Reflection Pre-Service Reflection During Service Observation WHAT? Planning and Preparation Learning Objectives Established Meaningful Service Experience Copyright © 2000 by NYLC and Compass Institute. All Rights Reserved.

ØService-Learning Outcomes Youths v Personal Development § § Self image Internal Locus of Control v Social and Interpersonal Development § § Social comfort Group work Social sensitivity Intergenerational connectedness v Values Development § Team responsibility § Social responsibility § Civic responsibility v. Academic and Cognitive Development § Basic academic skills § Specific subject matter knowledge § Critical thinking skills § Engages learner v. Career Development § Career exploration § Job-Related skills ØService-Learning Outcomes Schools New resources provided to the schools by the community Improved school climate Greater community/taxpayer support for schools More engaged and motivated learners Increased staff morale Higher attendance rates More strategies for facilitating learning and improving critical thinking skills Decreased youth behavioral issues

Benefits of Reflection Academic Learning Ø Higher level thinking and problem solving (Root causes of complex issues) Ø Learning to learn from experience Ø See connections to broader social and global issues Ø More motivated learning of subject matter Ø Life long learning skills Personal Development Ø Ø Awareness of change in oneself Clarification and internalization of values shaped by service Understanding of Purpose/Meaning Taking charge of life/power to change things Program Improvement Ø Improve service Ø Improve program Ø Improve community

Service-Learning As a Dropout Prevention Strategy How does service-learning help to meet the critical needs of youth at risk of dropping out of school today? Fact: One of the major indicators of whether a youth will drop out of school is lack of success in school. Dropouts frequently have failed one or two grades, with retention as a common characteristic. Sixteen year-old ninth graders are right on track for dropping out of school. These youths frequently fail because of difficulty in learning. It is not that these youths are incapable of learning; rather, their need to learn in a different way (I. e. using their preferred learning style) is often ignored in a traditional educational setting. Research shows that youths retain 5% of what they hear; 10% of what they read; 30% of what is demonstrated; 50% of what is discussed in a group setting; and 75% of what they practice by doing. It is no wonder that we have so many academic failures, and it is also obvious how service-learning can create many more successful learners. Service-Learning Enhances Academic Performance: Service-learning employs a variety of teaching strategies, with particular emphasis on the experiential and reflective components that make learning more lasting and meaningful. Fact: Youths who drop out of school tend to be youth who are alienated from their schools and communities. They lack the healthy connections that successful children have enjoyed over the years. Service-Learning Helps Make Connections For youths: Service-Learning can provide the sense of belonging that is so desperately needed by adolescents. Working with a team of classmates on a meaningful activity where a real difference is being made in the community can have enormous impact. Solving problems with peers can bond these youths together and provide the support base so needed by these young people. Fact: A common characteristic of the dropout is low self-esteem. The potential dropout has not achieved much, if any, success in life. This lack of success in school and other activities in life substantiates feelings of inadequacy. Research has shown that youth self -esteem is more highly correlated with youth success than is IQ. ôService-Learning Promotes Real Success: The opportunities for growth in selfesteem are enormous in service-learning. To actually live the act of being helpful to another person is to gain in self-esteem. The development of social skills used in servicelearning situations also provides the youth with the confidence needed. Fact: Another characteristic of the youth who drops out of school is a feeling of helplessness. S/He feels s/he no longer has control of his/her life. Youths who fall in this category have not learned any skills that would make them feel empowered. Service-Learning Empowers Youths: Service-learning provides opportunities to teach young people the skills they need to become empowered. They learn to solve real world problems, while working as a team and interacting with positive adults. Used with permission from the National Dropout Prevention Center.