According to the National Commission on Service Learning is "a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service wtih academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities."
Step 1. Investagation- Students learn to critically examine issues within their own communities by using various methods includeing community survey, word of mouth, first hand experiences, the internet, TV, as well as other forms of media. Step 2. Plan- After identifying a problem, students brainstorm ways in which they can provide a viable solution and set goals. They carefully plan out meeting places, times and organize youth and adults committed to the project to plan through every aspect of a project Step 3. Action- Students put their plans into action by actually providing the service. Step 3. Reflect- Students individually and collectively examine the project. They reflect on whether or not they met their goals, what they accomplished, what they could do differently to yield better results, they examine how the project has impacted their community Step 5. Celebration- Celebration may be a party, a presentation to the school or community, recognition through local media, a meal with service receipients, or any way that they deem appropriate for the group
Common Characteristics of Service-Learning
~Encourages students apply critical thinking skills to to address complex problems in a real-world context. ~Engage in problem -solving in a specific context of service activities adn community challenges, rather than generalized or abstract concepts from a text book ~Promotes social, emotional and cognitive learning and development ~Promotes cooperation among a diverse group of providers and receipients. ~Promotes deeper learning, there are no "right answers" in the back of the book.