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 Direct Direct - working directly with people Indirect Indirect - fund-raisers and collection programs Education Education - teaching those who are affected by the problem or those who can make a difference Advocacy Advocacy - advocating for change through social or political channels (e.g. letter writing, petitions, lobbying, campaigns)‏

Principles of high quality service-learning collaborative analytical intellectual activist multicultural Student centered Student centered Value based Value based experiential

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 community need 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