1. What is Service-Learning? National Service-Learning Clearinghouse www.servicelearning.org

2. National Commission on Service-Learning …a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

3. Adapted from the National and Community Service Act of 1990 Corporation for National and Community Service Promotes learning through active participation Provides structured time for students to reflect Provides an opportunities to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations Extends learning beyond the classroom Fosters a sense of caring for others

4. Whats in a name? Volunteerism Service-Learning Youth Service Community Service Peer Helping Experiential Education Community-Based Learning

5. Community service example If students remove trash from a streambed: they are providing a valuable service to the community as volunteers

6. Service-learning example When students remove trash from a streambed, analyze what they found, share the results and offer suggestions for the neighborhood to reduce pollution, and then reflect on their experience THAT is service-learning!

7. Not just academic Service-learning can also be implemented by community organizations, using learning objectives and structured reflection activities for their participants

8. Many roads to service-learning All seek Combination of service and intentional learning objectives Changes in both recipients and providers of service Different Interpretations Objectives Contexts

9. Service-learning is not: an episodic volunteer program just an add-on to existing curriculum completing minimum service hours for graduation service assigned as a form of punishment only for older students only for students one-sided

10. Common characteristics of authentic service-learning positive, meaningful experiences cooperative; emphasizes teamwork complex problems in complex settings problem-solving in specific contexts promotes deeper learning: no right answers

11. Common characteristics of authentic service-learning students identify most important issues through critical thinking emotional consequences: challenge values & ideas learning and development: social, emotional, cognitive

12. Added benefits of service-learning National studies suggest that students in effective service-learning programs: improve academic grades increase attendance in school develop personal and social responsibility

13. Learn more about service-learning www.servicelearning.org www.servicelearning.org K-12 Higher Ed Community-based Tribal nations

14. NSLC resources Website Site-wide Search Hot Topics, Fact Sheets & Quick Guides Service-learning Lesson Plans 1600+ Project Examples from LSA Grantees Links to Related Web Sites Publications Offered for Purchase

15. NSLC resources Library Books, journals, videos for LSA grantees Online library catalog available to the public Research & reference service Downloadable documents & bibliographies

16. Feedback E-mail: info@servicelearning.orginfo@servicelearning.org Phone: 1-866-245-SERV (7378)