Getting Started in Service Learning

Lemons to Lemonade Program

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

2009

Clarifying terms

Community Service

Community based learning

Volunteer

Community service learning

Community Service-Learning Definition:

A method by which people participate

in service experiences that address school

or community needs while also learning

academic skills and/or content connected

to the service, and engaging in structured

reflection on the service experience

Service-learning outcomes• authentic learning

• self-esteem

• social responsibility

• academic learning

• communication skills

• collaboration skills

• learning from experience

• future civic participation

CSL Essential Elements• Preparation

• Collaboration

• Student Ownership

• Service

• Curriculum Integration

• Reflection

• Celebration

• Evaluation

Types of Service

DirectDirect - working directly with people

IndirectIndirect - fund-raisers and collection programs

EducationEducation - teaching those who are affected by the problem or those who can make a difference

AdvocacyAdvocacy - advocating for change through social or political channels (e.g. letter writing, petitions, lobbying, campaigns)

Principles of high qualityservice-learning

collaborativecollaborative

analyticalanalytical

intellectualintellectual

activistactivist

multiculturalmulticultural

Student

centeredStudent

centered

Valuebased

Valuebased

experientialexperiential

Student-centered

State their opinions

Make choices

Make connections

to their lives

Collaborative

with classmates

with the recipients

of the service

on the design and

conduct of the

project

Experiential

Actively engage in:

needs assessment

research

project development

service activities

Intellectual

Seek out a variety of sources with multiple perspectives

Study and analyze the issue

Use subject matter skills and knowledge

Analytical

Examine the root causes of the problem

Consider whose voices have been excluded

Examine their own role in the problem

Multicultural

Take an inclusive approach to the problem

Understand the issue from diverse perspectives

Involve a diversity of people in working together

Value-based

Acknowledge the controversial nature of aspects of the problem

Examine and discuss

the values involved

Activist

Engage in direct action as well as advocacy or social change efforts

Aim to create a more socially just society and world

Begin a project with this winning trio

communityneed

students'interest

+ +your

curriculum

How do K-12 projects begin?

Community problem or need School problem or need Area or agency near the school Teacher interest Parent or student interest Curriculum connection Current events issue

Next Steps... Planning

Plan for learning and service

Involve community partners and students

Map out roles, responsibilities and time line

Plan ahead for reflection and assessment

Build in time for collaboration

Keys to effective collaboration

Ask about needs

Offer to help

Start small

Meet face to face

Share responsibilities

Reflect and adjust

Work toward mutual ownership

Reflection and Assessment

Reflective thinking

Connecting theory to practice

Learning from experience

Personal development

Understanding of course content

Students’ learning and attitudes from service

Students’ learning of course content and skills from service