Question:
My daughter told me she is going to do "service learning" in her high school civics class. Isn't that just a new way to say she's going to do community service? Why waste time with that during school hours?
Answer:
Sounds like too much fun on company time, eh? But service learning experts say we shouldn't worry. If the program is done well, your daughter should get some serious learning in while she volunteers.
That's because service learning applies classsroom academics to real-world community needs. And it's important for students to make those connections. For example, seventh graders at Grand Rapids Christian Schools develop math games to use after school with children at inner-city daycare facilities.
Students approach math concepts from a new perspective -- that of teachers -- and learn to communicate those concepts to at-risk preschoolers in their community. According to the Michigan Service-Learning Leadership Council, effective service learning projects:
- Have clear, challenging educational goals
- Involve students in planning
- Meet a genuine, recognized community need
- Involve evaluation, assessment and reflection about the project
Successful service learning units shouldn't rob time from learning. Instead they should bring learning to life.
You can learn more about service learning at the National Youth Leadership Council.