Georgia Learn and Serve is part of Learn and Serve America, a program funded with grants from the Corporation for National Service (CNS). Grants given by Georgia Learn and Serve support school academic service-learning programs.

Academic Service-Learning is an effective teaching method that provides students with opportunities to apply recently acquired academic knowledge and skills to hands-on service in their community.

In addition, this program allows students to have structured time to reflect on what they learned and experienced throughout the academic service-learning activity.

• Benefits students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
• Increases levels of students' understanding, retention, and academic performance
• Gives students a sense of ownership of their education
• Improves students' self-concept
• Fosters a sense of compassion for others and civic responsibility
• Increases students' motivation and interests in learning

Four Steps to Academic Service Learning

PREPARATION:

This first step includes planning service activities and providing students with the knowledge needed to participate in and benefit from the service activity. Prior to the activity, students should: Identify the community need(s) they would like to address Select and plan the specific service activities Help identify and enlist the assistance of service agencies Receive content area instruction and specific training they will need to conduct the service activity

ACTION:

This is the service itself. It must:

• Be meaningful
• Have academic integrity
• Be developmentally appropriate
• Provide student ownership
• Have adequate supervision

REFLECTION:

This offers a structured opportunity for students to critically think about their service experience and apply their learning in a broader academic and social context. Reflection activities also provide additional opportunities to link academic work with service activities. Some reflection activities involve:

• Discussion
• Writing
• Reading
• Art
• Class projects
• Presentations

This final step recognizes the students' contributions. It also provides closure to the service activity. Celebrations may include:

• Parties
• Certificates
• School Assemblies
• Special media coverage
• Joint celebrations with service partners

Note: Celebrations are most effective when conducted on a regular basis during and immediately after the service activity. Celebration is further strengthened if it is related to the service. An example might be having a party in a park the students helped beautify.