An Introduction to Service Learning

Service learning is a methodology that is transforming education across America.  According to the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, service learning is a method whereby students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in response to community needs. Service learning is coordinated with an elementary school, secondary school, institution of higher education, or community based organization and the community. It helps foster civic responsibility, is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of students or the education components of the community service program and provides structured time for students or participants to reflect on the service experience.  This curriculum guide offers practical service-learning lessons that you can use with your students to prepare National Youth Service Day or any other day of service.

Educators often feel they have inadequate class time to teach all the material that academic standards demand.  Consequently, teachers already pressed for time can be reluctant to introduce a new project, but that need not be the case.

Service learning is increasingly recognized by educators as a valuable component of the rigorous academic curriculum.  The Appendix of this guide offers Curriculum Connections for each lesson in this manual, to which teachers and facilitators may add additional skills depending on the particular project chosen by students.

Additional service learning information can be obtained through the Corporation for National Service, Department of Service Learning. (www.nationalservice.org). The Appendix outlines other programs and contacts.

INCORPORATING "YOUTH VOICE"

This guide helps educators incorporate "youth voice" in their lessons and shape their students into leaders and catalysts of positive change in their communities. Youth voice recognizes young people as a meaningful part of the creation and implementation of service opportunities and allows organizations to better work with a youth audience.  Youth voice has a tremendous impact on program participation, community involvement, and civic engagement.

Chapter 4 of the NYSD Tool Kit includes a section on "Training Team Leaders" to run NYSD events that can easily be applied to train young people to facilitate group activities. The sections entitled "Advice for Adults Working with Young People" and "Advice for Young People Working with Adults" in Chapter 2 of the Tool Kit gives further guidance on sharing the facilitator role.  Download the RYP/NYSD Tool Kit at www.ReachYourPeak.org or email nysd@ysa.org for a free copy.