Service-Learning Australia

Celebration and recognition of achievement is an important part of service-learning, however it need not be only the final step – it can happen at any point during the program, especially if the project is longer-term.   Recongnising  accomplishments  along the way demonstrates the value of the program and motivates students and community partners.

Celebrating service-learning and demonstrating achievements:

• Shows young people that their work is valued.
• Provides a public forum for students to display what they have learnt
• Confirms the importance of saying “thank you”.
• Reaffirms partnerships.
• Renews the commitment to service and service-learning.
• Can provide a forum for “authentic assessment”.
• Provides an appropriate conclusion to the program (or a particular stage of the program) and the opportunity to monitor outcomes, evaluate the program and look ahead to possible further actions.
• Provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their service goals and their learning goals, contemplate the deeper issues underlying the need, the way their attitudes/beliefs/values have changed, etc.