Service-Learning Australia

Standard.
Service-learning is intentionally used as an instructional strategy to meet learning goals and/or content standards.

Indicators.
Service-learning:

• Has clearly articulated learning goals.
• Is explicitly aligned with the academic and/or programmatic curriculum.
• Helps participants learn how to transfer knowledge and skills from one setting to another.
• That takes place in schools is formally recognized in school policies and in student records. 

Sample supporting research.

Billig, Root, and Jesse (2005) found that linkage of service-learning to content standards or curricular objectives was among the strongest predictors of all academic outcomes. Ammon, Furco, Chi, & Middaugh (2002), in their study of California service-learning program, demonstrated that clarity of academic goals and activities, scope, and support through focused reflection were strongly predictive of student academic outcomes. Kirkham (2001) reported that nearly all of the teachers who connected service-learning to their curriculum reported that students who participated in service-learning mastered more knowledge and skills than they would have learned through regular instruction, and that their grades improved and absenteeism decreased. Billig and Brodersen (2007) found that students whose teachers aligned the service-learning experience with standards had higher scores on academic efficacy and engagement measures.