Why is service learning important?

By encouraging and supporting thoughtful civic involvement and participation by young people, the entire community benefits. Young people are acknowledged-and see themselves-as resourceful, knowledgeable, and agents of change who can harness their ideas, energy and enthusiasm to benefit us all.

The beauty of service learning is that something real and concrete is occurring. Learning takes on a new dimension. When students are engaged intellectually and emotionally with a topic, they can light up with a revelation or make a connection between two previously separate ideas. What they've learned in school suddenly matters and engages their minds and their hearts. Teachers also frequently respond to service learning, finding their students' eagerness and curiousity invigorating. Education is relevant in the classroom and in the larger community. Math, science, social studies, languages, literature, the arts-all are applied, used and placed in contexts where they really matter.

In addition to the educational benefits, our society depends on active participation of its members to thrive. Our acts of service can shape the society we live in . Even young children marvel at how their thinking and planning and doing makes a difference. While it may seem cliche', the truth is, service learning enables a wealth of "differences" to happen. Relationships develop between people, with an understanding and appreciation for similarities and differences. Eyes become accustomed to looking for needs in the community and are followed by the recognition of possiblitities to, yes, make a difference.

Even though service learning can be exciting for teachers as well as students, you may feel daunted by the idea of integrating service learning into an increasingly complicated curricular mix. If so, you're not alone. Taking the online course will help you get started.  Submit your own grant application and let the change begin.-The Complete Guide to Service Learning Cathryn Berger Kaye page 2