WHAT IS SERVICE LEARNING?

Service Learning is a method of teaching, learning and reflecting that combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful service.  Community service meaningfully integrated with instruction and reflection enriches the learning experience, teaches civic responsibility, encourages lifelong civic engagement, and strengthens communities for the common good.

Students cleaning a stream of trash and invasive species - that is a service.

Students taking water samples of their local waterway before and after cleaning the stream; analyzing the amount and nature of pollutants in the water and looking for the sources of pollution; writing letters to their local government to inform the city officials of the problems and encouraging them to take action – that is service learning.

The process of service learning has four essential and interdependent stages:

• Preparation - Investigating, analyzing and making an action plan
• Action - Carrying out the plan with service to the community
• Reflection - Before, during and after the action, considering how the experience, knowledge and skills are significant to the community
• Demonstration - Exhibit expertise through pubic presentation – display, performance, letters to editor or class lessons