Service-Learning Guide for Educators

Available online at www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions © 2006 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved. Service-Learning Guide for Educators What iS SErvicE-LEarninG? Service-learning is a teaching methodology that connects academic instruction... More

Available online at www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions © 2006 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved. Service-Learning Guide for Educators What iS SErvicE-LEarninG? Service-learning is a teaching methodology that connects academic instruction with service activities and critical reflective thinking to address real issues in the community. The National Youth Leadership Council (see Service-Learning Resources) uses the following example to illustrate the concept of service-learning: • Picking up trash by a riverbank is service. • Studying water samples under a microscope is learning. • When students collect and analyze water samples and the local pollution control agency uses the findings to clean up a river … that is service-learning. Benefits of Service-Learning Research shows that service-learning positively impacts students, schools and communities. Learning in Deed (see Service-Learning Resources) has more information on the positive impacts of service learning in the K Less