Thanks to an opportunity offered by National Geographic my understanding of what service-learning really is and how it can be embedded into learning has deepened. I am beginning to understand and explore what service learning is, how to engage students, families, and the local and global communities. These opportunities offer authentic engagement around common needs that impact us all. Our students and schools need to be involved in action oriented solutions for problems that can be solved with care and awareness.
I've learned that service-learning is a method of teaching and an opportunity and way of learning where students use academic knowledge, attitudes and skills to engage with a problem/need and create a plan to make a difference. I think of this as students having specific targets and goals to work on and then they build an awareness of the need, plan an action and becomes advocates, and reflect.
Community service is an activity. The activities engage people to help explore/support a need for a community or a charity.
Community based learning utilizes a hands-on approach that enriches/enhances the curriculum using the people in the community and places as resources for learning.
Community service is an activity. The activities engage people to help explore/support a need for a community or a charity.
Community based learning utilizes a hands-on approach that enriches/enhances the curriculum using the people in the community and places as resources for learning.