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Service Learning

Service Learning is a method of teaching through which students apply their academic skills and knowledge to address real-life needs in their own communities.

Service Learning provides a compelling reason to learn, teaches the skills of civic participation and develops an ethic of service and civic responsibility. Service learning increases motivation and retention of academic skills as specific learning goals are tied to community needs. By solving real problems and addressing real needs, students learn to apply classroom learning to a real world context. At the same time, students provide valuable services to schools and communities.

Community Service vs. Service Learning: Service learning projects emphasize both the service and the learning. By applying classroom content to community settings, service-learning is a way to provide more authenticity and purpose for classroom learning. By contrast, community service emphasizes the habits and skills of volunteerism.

Assistance

Please contact Deb Wagner at 616-527-4900 ext. 1405, e-mail dawagner@ioniaisd.org, or click on the form below to request assistance.

Academic Service Learning Mini-Grant Application (pdf file - 25 KB)
Adobe PDF Version


Academic Service Learning Mini-Grant Application (doc file - 45 KB)
Microsoft Word Document

	pdf file: You need Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 7 or higher) to view this file. Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader for PC or Macintosh.
	doc file: You need the Microsoft Word program, a free Microsoft Word viewer, or a program that can import Word files in order to view this file. To learn more about the free Microsoft Word Viewer, visit the Microsoft Word website.

• Service Learning Assistance Request
  Click here if you need assistance regarding service-learning. You will be asked to provide your name, email address and your question. We'll get back with you as soon as possible.

• The Box - Service Learning Professional Development
  Developed by educators, for educators, the box provides everything you need to train and support educators in service learning. The step-by-step kit is organized in nine modules than can be delivered in ½-hour, 1-hour, or 2-hour sessions, based on the professional development time available.