Projects Day 2009 Service-Learning (S-L) Project Category 8

Definition of S-L  S-L places equal emphasis on both service outcomes and learning goals  The hyphen in S-L symbolises the connection between service and learning  Reflection is often the key to connecting the service experience to their learning Service (S)Learning (L)

Characteristics of S-L  Participant led and participant driven.  Emphasizes facilitated reflection.  Service recipient determine the kinds of service to be rendered.  Consider real needs of community.  Reciprocal relationship between service and learning, each reinforcing the other.

Changes – community problem- solving approach  In the past, students just approach organisations straight away to work with them to serve the community.  Little analysis of real problems faced by the community  This year – adopt community problem- solving approach

1. IDENTIFICATION of the AREA of CONCERN  Topics can be taken from local news media, school discussions or popular social issues eg. 1. Cyber addiction among young people 2. Lack of interaction between elderly and young people 3. Mental illnesses 4. Discrimination of foreign workers

 Students could generate possible problems and challenges connected with the respective issues in their own neighborhood or community.  They may have to do research in order to tackle the topic  Make observation visits  Interview relevant personnel and expertise 1. IDENTIFICATION of the AREA of CONCERN

Meeting REAL needs  Consider issues covered in local media, during lessons, CCA etc People – Children, youth, family, elderly, disabled, terminally ill etc Animals – SPCA, Jurong Bird Park, Zoo etc Environment – Beach, recycling, conservation etc

2. Main challenge  Out of the many challenges identified, choose what you think is the main challenge facing this community  E.g many youths are addicted to computer gaming and cyber activities. The problems include exposure to negative values, cyber-bullying, poor self-esteem.  But the main challenge could be lack of alternative healthy, engaging activities and community for such youths.

3. Identifying Service outcomes  How would success look like? What are the expected outcomes of the project for the service clients or the community.  Set clear, achievable service outcomes

4. Identifying learning outcomes  S-L makes explicit the learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes.  Draw up learning outcomes based on : - What do you intend to do? - What difficulties will you face? - What skills could you pick up or enhance - What training, research or logistics do you need to effectively carry out your project? - How would your service benefit you, your team and the community?

5. Plan of action  After identifying the main challenge, develop a plan of action to tackle this main challenge.  Come up with a working schedule  If need to, work with an organisation to serve the target community.

6. Preparation for Service  Once the idea is fully developed, think about how best to prepare for the S-L activity - What background knowledge, skills or mental preparations will be necessary - Do you need the help of experts? E.g sign languages. - Is there a need to conduct a needs survey? - Do you have a proper way to keep record of your services? (journals, photos videos?) - Establish timelines and deadlines

7. Reflections  Reflection is an IMPORTANT part of S-L as it reinforces learning. It enables the team to:  - focus on what they have accomplished - examine how the activity can be improved upon  - think about the impact of your contributions  - identify how attitudes and behaviour have changed

7. Reflections (Cont)  Each member is expected to keep a journal. Your entries in the journal includes: - state the names of the members who are present, date, time and event for each entry - proper records of an honest chronicle filled with sights, sound, smells, concerns, insights, doubts, fear, questions using appropriate audio-visual media eg photography, video, digital forms or simply pen and paper - description of what was seen, felt, experienced- the good, the bad, the ugly, the unnerving, the exciting, the impressive, the troubling, etc.

7. Reflections (Cont)  Each member is expected to keep a journal. Your entries in the journal includes: - the lessons that you draw from the experiences. - your thoughts and feelings about your experiences as it encourages you to consciously observe your surroundings and be more aware of learning opportunities and the changes that may occur within you. - effort made to mention about personal growth (social awareness, responsibility, maturity, discipline, empathy, leadership, teamwork etc.)

7. Reflections (Cont)  Each group is expected to present a group reflection and inserts of a few personal reflections at semis and finals

It is advisable not to postpone or do without scheduled reflections

Evidence of accomplishments  Showcase the accomplishments of the project  e.g. newspaper articles, photographs, interviews  Short video clip that captures the project’s main points  feedback and evaluation from beneficiaries and service partners before semis and finals

Changes to judging rubrics  Pls look at the revised rubrics as a guide to help you.  Download from projects day website.

Questions?