Service Learning
Service Learning begins with the students learning and/or researching the area where they will be performing service. This research and service should link back to material being learned in the classroom. The class would then go and perform the service project. This brings the information that the students were learning to life and makes the academic material real. It also helps the students better relate to the information. The students should then reflect on their research and service and what they learned. This is important for students because it helps them to learn crucial information in a real-world setting. It helps them to relate and will create a memorable experience rather than the simple memorization of facts. Being a special education major, I have observed many classrooms that have effectively implemented service learning by researching and then taking the students on trips that will teach them life skills. An example of this would be to research some nonprofits in their area, such as a food bank or clothing drive, with the class, take the class to one of the locations that was researched, and have the students help the volunteers. I hope to take trips or do something similar to this in my future classroom.