• 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.