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Service Learning
"Service learning" is a teaching method that combines community service with classroom instruction. It differs from traditional volunteerism in that it includes a reflection element, such as discussion or journal writing, as well as an organized curriculum. For a more detailed explanation, read about the National and Community Service Act of 1990 here.
Recent research indicates that service-learning participants experience many benefits, including:
- Increases in personal and social responsibility
- Reduction in "at risk" behavior
- Improvement in academic performance and problem-solving skills
To read more about Service-Learning, follow these links to additional information.
Tools, Guides, and Research
Tools & Guides
On The Web
Advancing Service-Learning as a Core Element of the Educational Experience for Every Elementary, Middle and Secondary School in the United States
National Service Learning Partnership's handy website for locating service learning resources on the Internet.
School-to-Work and Service-Learning
Explains key elements and benefits of service learning. Offers references to organizations and journals.
Additional web resources:
PDF Files for Download
 To access these PDF files, you must first download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
ACT for Youth Center of Excellence: Research, Facts, and Findings
A collaboration of Cornell University, University of Rochester, and New York State Center for School Safety
Service-Learning: An Overview - ACT for Youth Center of Excellence January 2008
Service-Learning and Assessment: A Field Guide for Teachers
Aimed at teachers who are interested in using service learning as a teaching-learning strategy, regardless of whether you have been engaged in service learning before.
Chapter 1 & 2 (217k)
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/teachguide_ch1-2.pdf >>
Chapter 3 (110k)
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/teachguide_ch3.pdf >>
Chapter 4 (416k)
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/teachguide_ch4.pdf >>
Chapter 5 (116k)
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/teachguide_ch5.pdf >>
Chapter 6 (673k)
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/teachguide_ch6.pdf >>
Chapter 7 (380k)
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/teachguide_ch7.pdf >>
Chapter 8 (447k)
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/teachguide_ch8.pdf >>
Chapter 9 (46k)
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/teachguide_ch9.pdf >>
Service-Learning: Education Beyond the Classroom (856k)
The Environmental Protection Agency publication includes service-learning project ideas and examples related to environmental service in solid and hazardous waste areas.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/educ_beyond.pdf >>
Standards of Quality for School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning (39k)
Standard guidelines and methods for service-learning.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/standards.pdf >>
The Service-Learning Policy Toolkit (227k)
The Toolkit is intended to support ongoing efforts to increase awareness and support for quality service-learning programs. It provides information and strategies to aid the work of service -learning's supporters.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/toolkit.pdf >>
Youth Voice: A Guide for Engaging Youth in Leadership and Decision-Making in Service-Learning Programs (182k)
The purpose of this guide is to provide service-learning practitioners with basic information on youth voice - how to engage youth in leadership and decision-making in programs. This guide highlights what youth voice is, why it is important and models of youth voice that have been implemented by service-learning practitioners.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/tools/youthguide.pdf >>
Research
On The Web
The Impacts of Service Learning on Youth, Schools and Communities: Research on K-12 School-Based Service-Learning, 1990-1999
http://www.learningindeed.org/research/slresearch/slrsrchsy.html >>
Additional web resources:
PDF FILES FOR DOWNLOAD
To access these PDF files, you must first download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Creating Inclusive Communities: An Inquiry into Organizational Approaches to Pursuing Diversity (114k)
The report summarizes lessons learned through interviews with 18 practitioners, researchers, activists, and consultants reflecting on diversity work undertaken by organizations and groups in the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/research/diversity.pdf >>
Learning In Deed Issue Paper: Integrating Youth Voice in Service-Learning (111k)
This issue paper examines the rationale behind implementing youth voice in service-learning initiatives, challenges practitioners may face and offers strategies for success. It includes case studies profiling exemplary programs across the nation and perspectives from youth, school administrators, service-learning advocates and state policymakers.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/research/issue_paper.pdf >>
National Evaluation of Learn and Serve America (298k)
Between 1994 and 1997, Brandeis University's Center for Human Resources and ABT Associates Inc. conducted an evaluation of the national Learn and Serve School and Community-Based Programs for the Corporation for National Service.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/research/natl_evaluation.pdf >>
National Center for Education Statistics Report on Service Learning and Community Service in Schools (53k)
Beginning in the 1970s, educators began paying more attention to this teaching option and the 1990s saw an array of initiatives to help promote the practice. To determine how extensive the practice is, NCES conducted the first national-level study of service-learning in America's K-12 public schools in the spring of 1999.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/research/stats_report.pdf >>
Recent Research on Service-Learning: Abstracts (2000) (52k)
The following abstracts represent some of the recent research in the field of service-learning. They correlate to three primary area of study: Civic Engagement, Personal/Social Development and Academic Achievement.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/research/abstracts.pdf >>
School-Based K-12 Service-Learning Mediators and Student Outcomes Model (21k)
The model shows that when service-learning meets an authentic community need and includes meaningful planning, service, reflection, and celebration, it typically succeeds in engaging students in the learning task.
http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/pdf/research/model.pdf >>
Grow Involved Kits
Children for Children is pleased to offer for selected schools (without charge) our Grow Involved! Classroom Kits, to help teachers and service learning coordinators plan a specific student-led, classroom-based youth service project on or near Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, commemorating his passion for service. Each Grow Involved Kit includes a lesson plan and materials to execute the project. The Grow Involved Kits integrate service learning into your existing curriculum and encourage your students to Grow Involved in their communities. Call us at 212.850.4170 for more information.
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