Service-Learning Australia

Connect to Teachers.

Service-learning is a way of teaching the curriculum and meeting syllabus outcomes: it is Quality Teaching and Values Education in action. Service-learning does create some extra work, but practitioners certainly believe it is worth the effort.

In implementing service-learning programs, it is important for teachers to at least feel understood by other staff members (particularly the Principal), even if the school is not initially committed to this pedagogy. Remember that there will always be those who resist change, and those who believe that service-learning is an unnecessary approach to teaching and learning. Also keep in mind that what works well in one school or class may not work in another. However, there is nothing like a positive experience to convince people of the value of a new initiative. Start off with a small project that is meaningful for your students and the community they are serving (initially this might be the school community.) Ensure that it clearly satisfies some of the curriculum outcomes. Plan it thoroughly. Publicise the project's success, and you will start to convert those who were initially skeptical.

Before beginning to plan a program, it is sensible to think through a number of potential difficulties and identify possible solutions.

Lack of Understanding from Other Staff.

Service-Learning will only become sustainable in a school if the Principal and a number of the staff are committed to this pedagogy. It is therefore most important to explain your ideas to the Principal, tell staff the outcomes you hope to achieve, keep them informed of your progress and have a final demonstration and celebration of results achieved.

Service-Learning Australia has a number of PowerPoint presentations to help you explain service-learning to your Principal and other staff members.

Feeling Isolated.

Teachers who, individually within a school implement a service-learning program may feel rather isolated. Consider becoming part of a service-learning support network where you can share experiences and learn from others. Service-Learning Australia has a number of initiatives in place to assist you, and a number of resources. These are described in detail in the "Stay in Touch" section of the ”Sharing” Module:

Email Discussion Groups
Newsletter
Service-Learning Practitioner’s Contact List.

Lack of Time for Projects.

Service-learning is a method of reaching curriculum outcomes – not a “worthwhile add-on” to a “crowded curriculum”. However, service projects sometimes need blocks of time so you will need to address timetabling early. Some ways of doing this include

Complete much of the project at school and schedule just a few field trips.
As students are commonly not able to use their bus passes to travel to and from projects, consider implementing projects within the school, or within a short walking distance.
Consider scheduling double lessons.
Rotate periods for service.
Teach in interdisciplinary teams.
Schedule service-learning for the last period of the day or the period before lunch.
Take a few students to the site at a time.

Lack of Time for Self.

Consistently ask yourself “Do I have to do this task, or could the students do it as part of their service-learning?”
Team with other staff and divide the work.
Ask University teacher interns or retired teacher volunteers to assist you.
Ask parents to help do some of the organizing and preparation.
Focus on time-planning and prioritise.