Setting the Foundation: Service-Learning at its Roots

Objectives Understand the differences between community service, experiential learning and service-learning. Learn the key elements of a service-learning project. Understand the steps to developing and implementing a service-learning project.

What is it? As a table, decide if the scenarios are community service, experiential learning or service-learning. You will have 5 minutes.

Similarities & Differences Service-Learning Community Service Experiential Learning Tied to Academics NOT tied to Academics Occurs over months or Year Often occurs only once May happen once or over the course of time Structured reflection No structured reflection Youth Voice present Often planned by agency Some Youth Voice present Focus on meeting a community need Meets a need Focus is not meeting a community need Completed as a group Completed as an individual or group

Service-Learning Key Elements Meaningful Service Link to Curriculum Reflection Diversity Youth Voice Partnerships Progress Monitoring Duration and Intensity

Revisit Scenarios Each table will now have 4 minutes to discuss how they could turn their assigned scenario into service-learning. Be prepared to report out to the whole group.

Service-Learning I-P-A-R-D Model 5 Steps - Investigation Planning & Preparation Action Reflection Demonstration

Investigation Teachers and students investigate the community issues they may potentially address. Investigation typically involves some sort of research and mapping activity.

Types of Needs Assessments Community Mapping Walk About Classroom Brainstorming Informal Research like reading the newspaper or internet search Community partner presents a need SAE

Planning & Preparation Teachers, students, and community members plan the learning and service activities, contact community partners and address the administrative issues needed for a successful project. One of the most important parts (if not the most important part) of this step is creating a link to curriculum!

Action The “heart” of the project: engaging in a meaningful service experience that will help your students develop important knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and will benefit the community. The action occurs both in the classroom and in the field.

Pre Reflection: prepares participants for the project Reflection is On-Going Pre Reflection: prepares participants for the project Active Reflection: occurs in the field and requires critical thinking Post Reflection: is used as an evaluation tool

Demonstration Participants publicly demonstrate their knowledge gained and accomplishments achieved through the service-learning project.

Ag. Ed. & Service-Learning

Benefits of Service-Learning Involves ALL students. Increases visibility of Ag. Ed. and FFA within the school and community. “The exposure is helping the school see that we (FFA & Ag. Ed.) are extremely valuable and should not be cut out of the school academic program because of budget cuts.” – Advisor from PA Allows Ag. teachers to create cross curriculum partnerships. Creates SAE opportunities. Opportunities for financial support.

Please sit as states (if possible). Note About Dinner Please sit as states (if possible). We will also have a table for individual chapters. Use this time to discuss what you would like to gain from this training.