Service Learning in the Academic Setting
Service Learning, as defined by the National Service Learning Clearinghouse, "is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities." Not only does service learning benefit the students, but it also benefits the community and the individuals who are being helped. Service Learning is an excellent opportunity for students to take what they've learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world setting. This is one of the most authentic and meaningful ways to ensure that children become life long learners.
How does this help with the development and motivation of gifted students? Some gifted students lack the motivation to learn if they can't see the outcome or reason for learning the material. By making the experience meaningful and relevant to their life, they are more willing to learn the content in the classroom in order to apply it to the service learning projects. Service learning easily translates into the classroom and helps to tangibly measure state learning standards. It is also an excellent way to get involved in the community and to build relationships between the children in the school and the community members.
In order for service learning to take place, students must first recognize a problem or need in their community. This takes brainstorming skills, as well as critical thinking skills, which relates directly to the needs of gifted learners. Once the need or problem is identified, the class or school can move forward in coming up with a plan on how to address the problem. The plan can occur in one day, or it can be a continual project that develops throughout the year. There is a lot of flexibility on what types of projects can be done depending on the community, and I encourage all educators to look into the benefits and outcomes of service learning.
Want ideas related to the grade level of your students of service learning projects to complete? Visit the following websites:
Youth Site: http://www.servicelearning.org/youthsite
Service Learning Initiative: http://servicelearning.childreninc.org
National Service Learning Clearinghouse: http://www.servicelearning.org
In order for service learning to take place, students must first recognize a problem or need in their community. This takes brainstorming skills, as well as critical thinking skills, which relates directly to the needs of gifted learners. Once the need or problem is identified, the class or school can move forward in coming up with a plan on how to address the problem. The plan can occur in one day, or it can be a continual project that develops throughout the year. There is a lot of flexibility on what types of projects can be done depending on the community, and I encourage all educators to look into the benefits and outcomes of service learning.
Want ideas related to the grade level of your students of service learning projects to complete? Visit the following websites:
Youth Site: http://www.servicelearning.org/youthsite
Service Learning Initiative: http://servicelearning.childreninc.org
National Service Learning Clearinghouse: http://www.servicelearning.org
References:
National Service Learning Clearinghouse. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.servicelearning.org
Service Learning Initiative. (2013). Retrieved from http://servicelearning.childreninc.org
Youth Site. Retrieved from http://www.servicelearning.org/youthsite
National Service Learning Clearinghouse. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.servicelearning.org
Service Learning Initiative. (2013). Retrieved from http://servicelearning.childreninc.org
Youth Site. Retrieved from http://www.servicelearning.org/youthsite