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Student Service Learning (SSL) → Best Practices of Student Service Learning

Best Practices of Student Service Learning

  • The Student Identifies and Meets an Authentic Community Need

    • Examines pressing community needs (academic preparation)
    • Develops strategies to address problems associated with community needs (academic preparation)
    • Provides direct, indirect and/or advocacy service (service action)
     

  • The Student Plans Ahead for Service-Learning

    • Identifies tasks, timelines and outcomes (academic preparation)
    • Assesses own skills and interests (academic preparation)
    • Takes leadership opportunities (academic preparation, service action)

  • The Student Acquires Knowledge and Skills Needed for Service

    • Explores citizenship and career options (academic preparation, service action)
    • Understands expectations associated with participation (academic preparation)
    • Cooperates with team members and community partners (service action)

  • The Student Develops Initiative and Responsibility

    • Evaluates own performance (structured reflection)
    • Strengthens character through civic engagement (service action)
    • Participates in a range of service opportunities (service action)

  • The Student Collaborates with Community Organizations

    • Identifies community organization(s) with which to partner (academic preparation)
    • Creates collaborative, reciprocal relationships through involvement (service action)
    • Respects the human dignity and contributions of others (service action, structured reflection)

  • The Student Achieves Curricular Objectives Through Service-Learning

    • Uses academic standards to establish mastery objectives (academic preparation)
    • Applies academic learning to recognized community needs (academic preparation, service action, structured reflection)
    • Assesses progress toward and attainment of mastery objectives (academic preparation, service action)
     

  • The Student Reflects Throughout the Service-Learning Experience

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

6-26 Adapted from Maryland’s Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning.