“We learn by doing.” John Dewey
As defined by the Alliance for Service Learning in Education Reform (1993), service learning is “a method by
which students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that
meet actual community needs.” Service experiences are best when they are integrated with school curricula and
afford students an opportunity to discuss and reflect upon their experiences and connect them in meaningful ways
to their own lives.
What are the essential components of quality service learning programs?
v An Overarching Idea - Clear reasons for undertaking the service learning process must be set and
understood by everyone.
v A Skilled, Understanding Adult Facilitator - A program leader who is knowledgeable about youth,
sensitive to their needs, and committed to helping them mature can make the most of the situations that arise
during the course of service.
v Sustained Involvement - An on-going, regularly scheduled service learning experience lasting a
minimum of six weeks, one regularly scheduled visit per week, rather than an occasional or sporadic site visit,
affords the best opportunity for learning.
v Meaningful Service Assignments - Work assignments that give young people real responsibilities and
fill a true need are required.
v Collaboration and Communication - All participants - young people, administrators, teachers, site
personnel, and parents-should be involved in planning and carrying out the program.
v Training and Ongoing Reflection - Preparation and training for site work are essential for the
satisfactory performance of their duties. Regular and structured opportunities to reflect on their experiences
give students a chance to look back on their experiences and learn from them in order to improve
performance.
v Program Evaluation - Even the most informal “How is it going?” can yield essential information. Clear
learning and behavioral goals should be established at the outset. With proper preparation, students can
competently gather information on the effectiveness of a program.
v Exposure to the Same Adults - It is important that young people have the opportunity to connect with
caring adults who recognize their talents and their promise.
v Recognition - Students' efforts should be recognized in informal and formal ways over the course of the
service experience.
Types of Service Learning
Direct service activities are those that require personal contact with people in need. This type of service is
generally the most rewarding for students because they receive immediate positive feedback during the process of
helping others. Examples of direct service activities include students working with senior citizens in
PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM
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