Information from:Corporation for National Service

&Service Learning Training

Curriculum (by Nancy Hill)

Elements of Service Learning

• Enables teachers to employ a variety of teaching strategies that emphasize education that is:–Youth Centered– Interactive, and–Experiential

• Integrates curricular concepts with “real-life” situations

Elements (cont.)• Empowers youth to analyze,

evaluate, and synthesize concepts through practical problem-solving

• Often in service to the community

• Facilitates the transformation of a young person from:–A passive recipient

• To:–An active service provider

Service Learning vs.

Community Service

• Community service: Focus is on servicing the community

• Service Learning: Focus is on the standards of the curriculum, the service is the product

The Learning Component

• Provides opportunity to use academic skills and knowledge in real life situations in the community

• Provides structured time for thinking, talking, and writing about what was seen and done during the service activity

The Service Component

• Is a practical application of what is taught in the school

• Helps foster the development of a sense of caring for others

Steps in Service Learning• Preparation• Infusion/

Integration• Reflection• Evaluation

Types of Service Learning Action

• Direct – (face-to-face interaction

with the recipient)• Indirect

– (behind the scenes --e.g. organizing blood drives, can drives)

• Advocacy – (political action and/or

public education)