Max M. Fisher Online Institute -
MODULE 2: Service Learning - A Team Based Model
LEAGUE Team Based Service Learning
Academic Service Learning: What Is It?
As described by the Learn and Serve America's National Service Learning Clearinghouse, "service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities."
Whether on their school campus, at a local food bank, or in a distant rainforest, service-learning is an experiential teaching strategy that empowers children to make a difference in their communities. When quality service-learning becomes part of a school culture, repeated in a variety of classes with ongoing monitoring and reflection, results include lifelong lessons for students, improved school climate, and a stronger society for us all.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
FOR STUDENTS
Personal Growth
- Increased self-esteem, confidence, personal responsibility
- Increased sense of personal efficacy
Career Development
- Active exploration of career interests and understanding of the world of work
- Specific job skills and greater confidence in career choice
Social Development
- Improved interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Increased empathy and global community view
- Increased sense of social competency
Academic/Cognitive
- Belief that service is a positive learning experience
- Improved grades and skills in language arts, math, science, and social studies
- Improved language and communication skills
- Persistence to graduation
- Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
FOR TEACHERS
- Authentic assessment opportunities
- Redefined teacher role from giver of knowledge to facilitator of knowledge
- Real-life situations give relevance to academic knowledge
- Process-oriented teaching approach
- Decreased at-risk behavior and discipline issues
- Engagement of all learners
- Increased student civic responsibility and academic achievement
- School linked to the community
FOR COMMUNITIES
- Community issues addressed, and renewal championed
- Direct and “free” assistance that utilizes youthful enthusiasm and creativity
- Stronger sense of cohesion when community values youth
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