| Service Learning Brings Learning to Life! |  | Why has our school chosen to be a service learning magnet school? Because service learning
connects what students learn academically with their very important
place in the wider world. 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.
What are the Characteristics of Service Learning?
According to the National Commission on Service Learning, service learning:
- links to academic content and standards.
- involves young people in helping to determine and meet real, defined community needs.
- benefits
both the community and the service providers (the students) by
combining a service experience with a learning experience.
- can be used in any subject area so long as it is appropriate to learning goal.
- works at all ages, even among young children.
There are 4 stages of Service Learning, and your children, as part of Obama Service Learning Elementary, will participate in them this year!
Stage 1: PREPARATION
With guidance from their teachers, students:
- identify a need.
- draw upon previous knowledge and skills.
- acquire new information.
- analyze an underlying problem in the community.
- collaborate with community partners.
- develop a plan that encourages responsibility.
- recognize the integration of service and learning.
- prepare to provide meaningful service.
- define realistic ways to implement their plan.
Stage 2: ACTION
Through direct service, indirect service, research, or advocacy, students take action that:
- has value, purpose, and meanding.
- uses previously learned and newly acquired academic skills and knowledge.
- offers unique learning experiences.
- has real consequences.
- offers a safe environment to learn, to make mistakes, and to succeed.
Stage 3: REFLECTION
Teachers
or students reflect on the process in various ways, such as role play,
discussion, or journal writing, for example. Students:
- describe what happened.
- examine the difference it made.
- discuss thoughts and feelings.
- place experience in a larger context.
- consider how to make the project better.
- generate ideas.
- identify questions.
- receive feedback.
Stage 4: DEMONSTRATION
Students demonstrate skills, insights, and outcomes to an outside group. This might include:
- reporting to peers, faculty, parents, and/or community memebers.
- writing articles or letters to local newspapers regarding issues of public concern.
- creating a publication or Web site that helps others learn from the students' experiences.
- making presentations and performances.
- creating visual art forms, such as murals.
Join us on this journey! Find out more about what your student's grade level is doing by clicking on the links on the right.
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Service Learning
Service Learning at Webster
| | | |  | | NSLC Affiliate | Obama Elementary is a proud affiliate for The 21st Annual National Service-Learning Conference. Find out more here.
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