Most schools do some form of community service. In schools of character, community service has been transformed into service learning. While both forms of service result in benefits to the school and larger community, only service learning helps students learn why service matters and develops in them important leadership skills, empathy, and the desire to give back. What’s the difference?
Service learning includes:
- Student leadership and identification of community needs – students select, plan, and run service projects (as appropriate for their age)
- Connections to curriculum and content – service is not separate from what students are learning in the classroom and teachers are involved in the projects
- Reflection and celebration – students reflect upon their participation and the results of their efforts and they learn to appreciate and celebrate the natural consequences of these efforts, rather than material rewards such as pizza parties for participation
How can your school begin to move toward true service learning?
- Start small. Ask each teacher to consider ONE way they can connect their content to service over the year.
- Take existing service projects and turn them into service learning projects by getting the kids involved in planning and running them, finding ways for students to use content skills during the projects, and celebrating everyone’s participation rather than offering material rewards.
- Consider having a focus for service efforts during the year so that more connections can be made by both teachers and parents.
