How can schools engage students in meaningful learning opportunities through community service ? Community service and learning differs from community service or volunteering in that it has learning and reflective components.

According to Wilczenski and Coomey (2007), community service learning not only involves engaging students for some common good and using the skills and energy of students to address real-life issues (service) but also engaging the students in thinking about the larger issues associated with the service (learning) and exploring meaning and knowledge associated with the experience using critical thinking skills (reflection).

Research
 The Search Institute provides some of the most extensive research on how service learning supports children’s development. In their “Assets Builder’s Guide to Service Learning” (2000), service learning can influence the following: supportive and caring relationships, a sense of empowerment, an understanding of boundaries and limitations, a constructive use of time, a commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies and a positive identity. For the recipients of the service, it meets real needs and provides an opportunity to engage with young people. For the wider community, service learning provides the opportunity to showcase youth as capable, caring and able to address community needs and helps in developing future citizens who care about their communities.

Tips for service learning in schools

1. Involve the students in deciding what needs to be addressed in the community and solutions for change. Encourage students to be part of engaging community members to identify their needs, to plan the service and consider the reflection exercises. Ensure the service is wanted by the community, is age appropriate and well organized.
2. Choose a service that supports and enhances curriculum standards. For example, a recycling project may be linked with health, biology or science and technology. Clearly identify goals for student learning with how the service is conducted.
3. Identify how participation in the service is linked to the student’s social, emotional and academic growth. The learning component may include questions such as: what is an individual’s responsibility to… (the earth, other people, civil society)? What other solutions would work or complement the service? What impact did the service have on others? What values does the service promote? What impact did the service have on the student, his/her friends or family?
4. Use the opportunity to teach the students how to measure the impact of the service. This may involve training in giving surveys, interviews or recording behavior of the service recipients and the larger community.
5. Ensure opportunities for reflective exercises are provided throughout the service project. Discuss at the beginning of the service what might be expected from others and how the project might change their own thinking.
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6. Plan for inclusion of all students, regardless of exceptionality or ability. Determine how to equitably involve students with disabilities or impairments. This may involve prior planning for travel, assistant support, one-on-one opportunities for learning or reflection or determining a valued role that meshes with the student’s strengths.

Resources
The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (NSLC) offers high-quality, practical resources to aid in the development and implementation of service-learning programs, including information for parents, teachers and students.

The Complete Guide to Service Learning: Proven, Practical Ways to Engage Students in Civic Responsibility, Academic Curriculum, & Social Action.

The Institute for Global Education and Service Learning (IGESL), a non-profit training organization which creates service learning programs and initiates activity based education in collaboration with schools and organizations around the world. Provides information such as toolkits, guidebooks and student portfolios.

The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects: Over 500 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want to Make a Difference.

Service-learning: empowering students with special needs. Article describing how students with special needs can make a difference and be empowered by service learning.