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Service Learning Overview |
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There are many ways in
which service learning may be described. A commonality among
many of the definitions is that it is a form of experiential
learning that combines academics with community service. A
student is able to apply critical thinking skills to address
real community needs. Service learning provides a unique
opportunity for all persons to give back something of
themselves to their communities. Thus, the SEPA program
includes a service learning component that blends
service and learning goals in such a way that both not only
occur, but enrich/enhance each other. |
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The service
learning component of the SEPA program links local schools with
the community. Students are given the opportunity to perform
community service work that complements their classroom work
and their interest. The program is
designed in such a way to promote intellectual and personal
growth. Participation in this activity helps students to
develop social responsibility, as well as provide them an
opportunity to explore career options. Service learning can
benefit students near the end of their high school career.
In recent years, colleges, universities, vocational schools
and many business schools have begun to take notice of
students’ “Community Service Work”. Service learning has
grown from an idea to a program that has the potential to
affect almost all aspects of a student’s high school career
(Sullivan Service Learning Program). A student’s involvement
in service learning can potentially aid in being selected
for a job or acceptance into an institution of higher
learning. Sullivan Service Learning Program states students
who take part in service learning help themselves in the
following ways: |
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- Communication skills:
Students learn to communicate with others they work
with, both in written and spoken forms
- Responsibility:
Students learn to take responsibility for what they do
in completing a job they started and doing work outside
of school where supervision is limited at times;
- Job Skills:
Participants in service learning gain many skills they
can later use elsewhere. Skills in areas such as
computers, pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicine and
physical therapy are gained in the mentoring and
internship programs. Skills found in the general program
include time management, leadership, problem solving and
creative thinking
- Teamwork: Students
learn to work as part of a team. In using groups to do
work, participants must learn to do their part and help
others in the group in order to complete a task.
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Service
Performance
Schools can be creative in the manner in which service
learning may be performed. The more varied the ways for
involvement, the more opportunity to attract and involve
more students. Some ways in which service learning can occur
are: |
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- Through
an existing school club or activity group
- Through
approved local organizations/agencies
- Through
student initiated activities/projects
- Through
faith groups, civic organizations;
- Through
political groups/candidates
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