I teach a night class for the community.
The importance of service learning spans across all educational disciplines and should be incorporated into the curriculum.
Service learning allows students to apply what they have learned in classroom/lab and transfer those skills to a real-life setting. This engages students with members of the community, builds relationships, and enhances professional development skills in a practical, hands-on way.
Service learning is an important aspect of our lives and culture. It's a valuable approach to learning that benefits students and the community.
Teaching and demonstrating the effectiveness of reach out programs, community health, networking, and engaging in the community is a positive educational experience for all types of students. This approach allows a well rounded educational experience.
I teach at a District career and technology center. I have our local animal shelter bring in dogs and cats for spaying or neutering. The students assist during surgery, monitor anesthesia, and give injections.
I teach adults in a post high school facility and many just go with the flow, getting them out in the community helps them see the 'other side' so to speak and shows them if they really want to continue on the path they choose, Vet med-. Not all will want to do farm calls and likewise for those who want to work in a practice where the animals come to them.
Each of my classes incorporates a service-based application into our final. These live applications allow students to be involved in their communities or campuses and apply what they have learned to real-world events.
Service learning allows students to interact with the community and apply their knowledge and skills in communication and professional conduct.
I teach at an alternative school. Based upon what I have learned so far I believe service learning holds immense potential for my students
Comment on Maria Perez's post: I couldn't agree more with your comment Maria. My students are so engaged with electronics that basic communication has become a thing of the past. I use case studies to engage my students and get them involved.
I teach adult students with autism.
I learned about the different categories of service learning--many of which I already incorporate into my classes!
I like the concept of seeking student input on what service opportunities they know of so they feel more connected and expand the teachers horizons as well.
Service Learning provides students with "real world" application of the skills that they're learning in a CTE academic/ shop environment. They can experience growth in interpersonal skills as well as technical skills, so if the goal of education is to help build healthy humans and healthy communities, service learning provides an opportunity for them to be invested in that goal.
