“Real World Learning”in the 21st Century

Key Concepts: Integrated Curriculum, Constructivism, Traditionalism, Progressivism, Service Learning, Academic VocabularyKey Academic Vocabulary: Concept Formation, Concept Attainment

Is this

“Constructivism”?

“Real World Learning Skills”

KEY CONCEPT #5:

SERVICE LEARNING

Service Learning is________________________________________

“Service”

or “Service Learning”?

– Recycling Programs

– Pennies for Paws

– “A Better World” Global Projects

– Kids Cure for Cancer

– MS Read-a-thon

– Jump Rope for Heart

– Locks for Love

Are these examples?

Concept Attainment

DEFINITION: Service learning is a philosophy involving the application of academic skills to solving real-life problems in the community

Service Learning is characterized by students and teachers making decisions about:

– Community issues & needs to

be addressed

– Areas of the curriculum to be addressed in the project

– Roles of participants

– Publicity needs

Service learning has 4 components:

– Preparation

– Action

– Reflection

– Demonstration

Why Service Learning?

– Decrease in school suspensions, dropouts and teenage pregnancy

– Positive attitudes towards adults– Gains in self confidence, self-worth, self-

esteem & social competence– Classes less boring & more related to life– Decrease in discipline problems– Gain career skills & career exploration

knowledge– Positive effects to moral

development/character development– More trustworthy, responsible, caring and

altruistic– Greater awareness of cultural diversity– More concerned about community and

community issues

21ST CENTURY LEARNING

Is this

“Service Learning”?

“Real World Learning” in the 21st Century

“Are we preparing kids to write tests for life,

or are we preparing FOR the tests of life”

***Art Costa, Habits of Mind