What Is Service Learning?
Service learning
offers a unique opportunity for America's young people—from kindergarten
to university students— to get involved with their communities in
a tangible way by integrating service projects with classroom learning.
Service learning engages students in the educational process, using what
they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. Students not
only learn about democracy and citizenship, they become actively contributing
citizens and community members through the service they perform.
Service learning can be applied
across all subjects and grade levels; it can involve a single student
or group of students, a classroom or an entire school. Students build
character and become active participants as they work with others in their
school and community to create service projects in areas like education,
public safety, and the environment.
(Information from the Corporation for National & Community Service)
Why is
Service Learning Important? |
A recent national
study suggests that effective service learning programs improve grades,
increase attendance in school, and develop students' personal and social
responsibility. A growing body of research recognizes service learning
as an effective strategy to help students by:
• Promoting learning through active participation in service experiences;
• Providing structured time for students to reflect by thinking,
discussing and writing about their service experience;
• Providing an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge
in real-life situations;
• Extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community;
and
• Fostering a sense of caring for others.
Service learning also strengthens both education and local communities
by:
• Building effective collaborative partnerships between schools
or colleges and other institutions and organizations.
• Engaging parents and other adults in supporting student learning
• Meeting community needs through the service projects conducted
• Providing engaging and productive opportunities for young people
to work with others in their community
To learn More
About Service Learning Activities In Our Area" Contact The Southern
Alleghenies Learn and Serve Alliance (SALSA) by emailing Paula Craw at
pcraw@francis.edu