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What Is Service-Learning?
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Service-learning offers a unique opportunity for 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.
Why is Service-Learning Important?
A national study of Learn and Serve America programs
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 he service projects
conducted
- Providing engaging and productive opportunities for
young people to work with others in their community
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from Learn and
Serve America
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In a Corporation for National and Community Service publication
in 2000, YSOP was cited as one of nine model programs “using
service learning as a strategy in out-of-school time.”
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“For those of
us who lead secure lives, it is dangerous to feel that the
responsibility is simply to do some volunteer work…and wipe our
hands. YSOP provides a service-learning program that is really
involved with the issues of social justice and social
responsibility.”
-
Linda Boldt
The Brearley School,
NYC
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To learn more
about service learning, please visit the Learn and Serve America
website. |
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