Service-Learning has already become an integral part of many schools around the country. For example some schools make community service a requirement for graduation. Students must contact a non-profit organization and offer their services for a certain number of hours. Afterwards students must write about the value of their experience, talk about the organization and explain how they benefited as a person. This reflection helps enhance a students critical thinking skills. Included in this site are many links to service organizations - this is a great place to start.

How to Start a Service-Learning Project

There are three basic step in Service-Learning:

1. Prepare for the actual project. Set objectives and plan exactly what you want to do. If it is going to involve an organization, locate the organization and call ahead of time to ask permission to volunteer.
2. Perform the service.
3. Analyze the experience through discussion or writing a reflection.

Importance of a Reflection:

In order to get the full value of the Service-Learning experience and extract meaning, students must write about the value of their experience in a reflection. In other words, reflect on the experience, which will allow students to learn from themselves while enhancing their critical thinking skills. Keeping a daily journal of your experience will make a reflection easier. Make sure to note people, your personal feelings, senses, concerns and anything else that comes to mind. When writing your final reflection make sure not to just write about how the experience has effected you. Along with a "self-reflection" include a reflection describing the experience and finally the "big picture." This allows students to learn from themselves and have a great appreciation of the Service-Learning experience.