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Best Practices of Student Service Learning

  1. The Student Meets a Recognized Need in the Community

    • Examines pressing community needs (preparation)
    • Develops strategies to address problems associated with community needs (preparation)
    • Provides direct, indirect and/or advocacy service (action)
     
  2. The Student Achieves Curricular Objectives

    • Uses academic standards to establish mastery objectives (preparation)
    • Applies academic learning to recognized community needs (preparation, reflection, action)
    • Assesses progress toward and attainment of mastery objectives (preparation, action)
     
  3. The Student Gains Necessary Knowledge and Skills

    • Explores citizenship and career options (preparation, action)
    • Understands expectations associated with participation (preparation)
    • Cooperates with team members and community partners (action)
     
  4. The Student Plans Ahead

    • Identifies tasks, timelines and outcomes (preparation)
    • Assesses own skills and interests (preparation)
    • Takes leadership opportunities (preparation, action)
     
  5. The Student Works with Existing Service Organizations

    • Identifies nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations with which to partner (preparation)
    • Creates collaborative, reciprocal relationships through involvement (action)
    • Respects the human dignity and contributions of others (action, reflection)
     
  6. The Student Develops Responsibility

    • Evaluates own performance (reflection)
    • Strengthens character through civic engagement (action)
    • Participates in a range of service opportunities (action)
     
  7. The Student Reflects Throughout the Experience

    • Evaluates overall impact of service and learning (reflection)
    • Analyzes what was learned from multiple perspectives (reflection)
    • Explores next steps to continue service-learning involvement (reflection)
     

2-06 Adapted from Maryland’s Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning.