How to Implement Service Learning Projects in the Classroom
Districts and universities throughout the country are learning how to implement service learning projects in the classroom. By most definitions, service learning is an approach to learning that combines academic objectives and community service. Service learning projects should not be dismissed as mere episodic voluntary acts. One goal is to implement projects that engage students in service-oriented tasks that are linked to standards and cultivate reflection. Another goal of the project is to develop cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships with members of the community. There are many ways to implement service learning projects in the classroom, but here are a few ideas for a language arts curriculum.
Things You'll Need
- Classroom supplies
- Contact list
- Computer lab
- Note to parents
- Various permissions
Instructions
-
-
1
Implement service learning projects in the classroom by working with senior citizens in the community. Have students practice the conventions of letter writing by requesting interviews for human interest stories. Use resources in the computer classroom to help students identify and note possible senior centers in the community. Ask students in the classroom to create a survey or vote upon which facility they would like to send their letters. Teach the form of the letter, then have students use strategies, such as brainstorming, listing and cluster mapping in order to generate ideas. Assign an outline or draft.
-
2
Implement service learning projects in the classroom by facilitating cooperation with community members. Organize a field trip to the senior center or nursing home. Match a student with a senior citizen as a partner. Give students the chance to practice their interviewing and note-taking skills. Have students prepare questions in the classroom ahead of time.
-
-
3
Allow students to reflect upon each component of the service learning project. Assign a journal to students so that they can express what was meaningful about the experience. Use prompts to guide the writing, such as the importance of citizenship, leaving a legacy or what it means to be a steward of the community.
-
4
Assign historical vignettes as a way to implement service learning projects. A vignette requires students to pick out the important parts of a life story. Find a venue for students to publish the service learning projects, such as a local newspaper or a magazine. Have students create a website featuring slide shows or podcasts.
-
5
Implement service learning projects in the classroom using speech. Allow students to revisit their original notes in order to write “Introduction” or “Commemorative” speeches featuring their senior partners as subjects. Ask students to deliver the speeches in a special presentation. Create a video recording of the speeches and send it to the senior center, or make plans for the students to deliver the speeches in person.
-
6
Implement service learning projects using drama. Guide students to create a skit using notes from their interviews.
-
7
Make sure that service learning projects align with educational standards.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Know that in order to implement service learning projects in the classroom, you must prepare well in advance. Understand you will need complete support of administration, faculty, parents and the community to implement service learning in the classroom.
Remember when you implement service learning projects for the classroom that the projects must be reciprocal, in the sense, that both students and members of the community benefit.
Do not forget students should have a voice in the project. Ideally, classroom students will generate and implement ideas for service learning projects.
Look for grants to help implement service learning projects in the classroom. Grants are available from national, state and local sources.
