SERVICE LEARNING K-12

WHAT IS SERVICE LEARNING?

Service-learning is an effective framework for curriculum delivery, learning tool, and strategy to engage students, parents, volunteers, and community. The benefits of service learning are numerous and well documented. The following are a few examples:

• Fosters a sense of care and concern for others
• Positively impacts student outcomes
• Extends the boundaries of the classrooms, community becomes the learning lab
• Provides opportunity for inquiry-based experiential engagement with real-life situations

CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH QUALITY SERVICE LEARNING

High quality service-learning links academic content standards and community-based service in ways that support outcomes for students.

• Curriculum and service a well planned for positive outcomes in both areas
• Youth voice is encouraged and support in problem-solving
• Uses the complete cycle of service learning
• The process provides benefits to staff, students, volunteers, and community
• Is relevant to all curricular areas and grade levels

From the National Corporation for National and Community Service

North Carolina's goal is to increase awareness and practice of service learning as an important instructional strategy, learning tool, and framework for engaging schools and community in partnership to increase avenues for student engagement, inquiry-based experiential learning opportunities, and the development of leadership skills, career awareness, career orientation and character development through community-based service.