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Getting Started
Though there is no one right way, there are important steps to consider and issues to attend to in order for any program to be successful. While not all of the following steps may be feasible in every situation, they provide useful guidance for teachers, schools, or districts implementing service learning programs in their communities.
- Designate a person to coordinate the service learning. Hire someone if funding permits, or draw upon the talents of staff already on hand (Eberly, 1993). (Do not underestimate the size of this job.)
- Be aware of any budget constraints that may exist (Allen, et al., 1994).
- Create a community advisory board. It should be made up of a variety of community members, who can address relevant requests and concerns. These people will, perhaps unintentionally, become ambassadors for the service learning program throughout the community (Silcox, 1993).
- As a team, have teachers and students assess community needs. Focusing on the assessed need, collaboratively design the plan of action (Wade, 1994; Gufstafson & Meagher, 1993; Crytzer, 1993; Kiner, 1993). The service must be important to the community and students (Miller, et al., 1995).
- Ensure that service learning activities are developmentally suitable and safe for participating students (Woehrle, 1993). (The issues of safety and liability are detailed further in Appendix A.)
- Solicit the assistance of local experts. Often, they are more than willing to help educate youngsters, and to secure the extra help with big projects that these students can provide (Nelson, 1995).
- Take time to fully educate students about the agency or project they will be working with. The more that they know and are prepared for, the more effective and successful they will be (Ediger, 1993; Kiner, 1993; Silcox, 1993).
- Give students time to reflect about their service learning (Eisler, et al., 1994; Eberly, 1993; Adams, 1993; Wade, 1994; Crytzer, 1993; Woehrle, 1993; Cairn & Kielsmeier, 1991). This can take place in many ways, such as:
- Journals
- Discussions
- Presentations
- Debates
- Displays (bulletin boards, pictures, collages, etc.)
- Assessing preset goals
- Celebrate service learning projects with rewards, parties, newspaper articles, or other forms of recognition. Give the kids the pat on the back they deserve (Kiner, 1993; Adams, 1993).
- Take the time to document and evaluate the actual results of your program. This will help you to accurately assess the benefits of your program (Service Learning: Getting to the Heart of School Renewal).
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