Introduction to Service Learning Putting theory into practice

Introduction to Service -Learning Putting theory into practice CSP Forum 17 September 2007

Engaged Learning Traditional Approaches n Teacher as expert / student as receiver of knowledge n Constrained by traditional uses of time and space n Teaching and learning happens only in ‘school time’ n There is a clear beginning and finite end to the learning process Service-learning n Teachers and students as co-learners n Challenges conventional uses of time and space n Teaching and learning happens continually n Learning happens on a life-long continuum CSP Forum 17 September 2007 2

Potential Outcomes n n n Personal development – communication, leadership, problem solving, self-identity Reduces stereotypes and facilitates cultural and racial understanding Social responsibility/citizenship Active and life-long learning Community capacity building and transformation Creative and collaborative use of assets and resources CSP Forum 17 September 2007 3

Models and Methods Recipient Service Beneficiary Provider Focus Learning Civic education Service-learning Community Service Field Education Volunteerism Internships - Campus Compact 2000 CSP Forum 17 September 2007 4

Principles of Good Practice n n n Engages people in responsible and challenging actions for the common good Provides structured opportunities for people to reflect on their experience Articulates clear goals for everyone involved Allows for those with needs to define those needs Clarifies the responsibilities of each individual and organisation involved CSP Forum 17 September 2007 5

Principles of Good Practice n n Expects genuine, active and sustained organisational commitment Includes training, supervision, monitoring, support, recognition and evaluation to meet goals Ensures that the time commitment is flexible, appropriate and in the best interests of all involved Is committed to participation by and with diverse populations Campus Compact 2000 CSP Forum 17 September 2007 6

So, service-learning is just community service with reflection, right? Not quite. School and community work in parallel to address common issues and meet mutual needs Community-based action is integrated into learning and teaching CSP Forum 17 September 2007 7

Successful partnerships n n n Founded on a shared vision and clearly articulated values Mutually beneficial: they satisfy both unique self-interests as well as shared interests Composed of interpersonal relationships based on trust and mutual respect Multi-dimensional: they involve the participation of multiple sectors that act in the service of a complex problem Clearly organised and led with dynamism CSP Forum 17 September 2007 8

Successful partnerships n n n Integrated into the mission and support systems of the partnering institutions Sustained by a “partnership process” for communication, decision-making, and the initiation of change Evaluated regularly with a focus on both methods and outcomes Campus Compact 2000 CSP Forum 17 September 2007 9

Making Meaning n Celebration Preparation n Evaluation Experience n Reflection Preparation - the time spent by partners in preparing for activities Experience - the time spent engaging in partnership activities Reflection – the tools which help the partners ‘make meaning’ of their experience Evaluation – the steps taken to measure the achievements of the activities against the anticipated outcomes Celebration – the time taken to acknowledge the commitments and achievements of all stakeholders CSP Forum 17 September 2007 10

Building Partnerships for Learning and Service n n n Identifying learning outcomes Identifying potential partners Building relationships Designing appropriate experiences Integrating community and classroom CSP Forum 17 September 2007 11

Building Partnerships for Learning and Service n n Evaluating outcomes – for teaching and learning and for community Celebrating success Assessing future opportunities Managing risk – insurance, liability, personalities etc. CSP Forum 17 September 2007 12

Critical Issues n n n n n Defining the community Identifying community assets, resources and needs Engaging students Establishing and working within boundaries Authenticity of learning and experience Assessing outcomes Managing expectations / information Risk management Learning from mistakes / celebrating success CSP Forum 17 September 2007 13

Keys to making it work? ! n n n Centred on student learning and development (& student leadership) Experiences are thoughtfully organised (site as text) Strong leadership & coordination (mutual benefit, shared goals & mission) Conscious integration of experiences (avoid ‘parallel play’) Provide structured opportunity for reflection Focus on civic engagement / citizenship development CSP Forum 17 September 2007 14

Keys to making it work? ! A quick self check: Intentional? Authentic? Partnership? Reciprocity? Accountability? CSP Forum 17 September 2007 15

Additional Resources www. servicelearning. org - National Service-Learning Clearinghouse www. compact. org - Campus Compact www. nsee. org - National Society for Experiential Education www-personal. ksu. edu/~rcled - The rural clearinghouse for Lifelong Education and Development www. nylc. org - National Youth Leadership Conference, link to ‘Pathways’ for model programs www. leaderschools. org - schools in US identified through Learn and Serve as having excellent service-learning and partnership programs CSP Forum 17 September 2007 16