Service Learning: Contributing to the Community in Which We Live by Applying the Knowledge We Have
SERVICE LEARNING: CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH WE LIVE BY APPLYING THE KNOWLEDGE WE HAVE
Milena Ristovska, M. Sc.
Teaching Assistant at
Faculty of Economics
University “Ss Cyril and Methodius”
Skopje, Republic of Macedonia e-mail: milena@eccf.ukim.edu.mk
Abstract
Although well-established and with a long tradition in different countries worldwide, service learning is a completely unknown practice in Republic of Macedonia. This is the reason why the author attempted to make a theoretical overview of the concept of service learning based on her extensive expirience gathered as a visting scholar at George Washington University under the Junior Faculty Development Program.
Service learning is an interactive process of both teaching and learning in which the students apply their academic skills and knowledge when trying to help the community solve its crucial problems. At the same time, it promotes learning through active participation in service experiences; provides structured time for students to reflect by thinking, discussing and/or writing about their service experience; provides an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations; extends learning beyond the classroom and into the community and fosters a sense of caring for others.
The effective program for service learning is characterized by: • Engagement of people in responsible and challenging actions for the common good; • Provision of structured opportunities for people to reflect critically on their service experience; • Articulation of clear service and learning goals for everyone involved; • Definition of the needs by those who have the needs; • Clarification of the responsibilities of each person and organization involved; • A match between the service providers and service needs through a process that recognizes changing circumstances; • Necessity of genuine, active, and sustained organizational commitment; •
Milena Ristovska, M. Sc.
Teaching Assistant at
Faculty of Economics
University “Ss Cyril and Methodius”
Skopje, Republic of Macedonia e-mail: milena@eccf.ukim.edu.mk
Abstract
Although well-established and with a long tradition in different countries worldwide, service learning is a completely unknown practice in Republic of Macedonia. This is the reason why the author attempted to make a theoretical overview of the concept of service learning based on her extensive expirience gathered as a visting scholar at George Washington University under the Junior Faculty Development Program.
Service learning is an interactive process of both teaching and learning in which the students apply their academic skills and knowledge when trying to help the community solve its crucial problems. At the same time, it promotes learning through active participation in service experiences; provides structured time for students to reflect by thinking, discussing and/or writing about their service experience; provides an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations; extends learning beyond the classroom and into the community and fosters a sense of caring for others.
The effective program for service learning is characterized by: • Engagement of people in responsible and challenging actions for the common good; • Provision of structured opportunities for people to reflect critically on their service experience; • Articulation of clear service and learning goals for everyone involved; • Definition of the needs by those who have the needs; • Clarification of the responsibilities of each person and organization involved; • A match between the service providers and service needs through a process that recognizes changing circumstances; • Necessity of genuine, active, and sustained organizational commitment; •
References: • Eyler, J., & D. E. Giles, J., 1999, Where 's the Learning in Service-Learning?, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. • National Youth Leadership Council , 2008, K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice, National Youth Leadership Council. • Peirce, N.R., 1992, Community Service for Students: Good for Them and the Neighbors, The Philadelphia Inquirer. • USA National and Community Service Act of 1990, 42 U.S. Code 12511; • Witmer, Judith T., Carolyn Anderson, 1994, How to Establish a High School Service Learning Program, Alexandria, VA, USA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development. ----------------------- [1] National Youth Leadership Council , 2008, K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice, National Youth Leadership Council. [4] Witmer, Judith T., Carolyn Anderson, 1994, How to Establish a High School Service Learning Program, Alexandria, VA, USA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, p 5 – 7. [6] Witmer, Judith T., Carolyn Anderson, 1994, How to Establish a High School Service Learning Program, cit., p. 9 – 11.