Many may have heard of the popular resource book from Harry Wong titled, “The First Days of School.” In the book, the author urges teachers that effective classroom management takes modeling, repetition, and most importantly, preparation!
That is why the first days of service learning are so important to the effectiveness of the projects, activities, and learning that will ensue.
Yes, service learning takes some detailed preparation. Yes, it means that teachers (to some degree no doubt) must share control of the learning with students. But once it's going, service learning takes on a life of its own, and students will take more and more responsibility for the direction of the project.
But how to get started? Over several blog entries, I will be presenting ideas for getting started on service learning in your classroom with tips and resources that may be of some assistance. Let's start with a personal interest inventory
Personal Interest Inventory
What do students value in their lives? What do they like to learn about? What do they do in their spare time? What are their skill sets? Prior knowledge? By beginning with a general personal interest inventory, a teacher will have valuable insight into each student's life.
Of course, a personal interest inventory helps for far more than service learning (think noticeable differences in behavior, reaching out to find common ground) but it will serve as a reference to allow students with varied intelligences and learning styles to participate in a service learning project and contribute something valuable.
Some Examples: A student LOVES talking on the phone. Who better to call potential partners or guest speakers? Another student shoots and edits skateboard videos of his friends. Who better to document the project by video and get it on the web for everyone to see?
In addition, teachers will know what kinds of service projects students may be interested in, and, with permission, students may view each others' interest inventories to see how they can put some of their skills together for something great!
It is important, however, to understand that a skill can also be a crutch for a student who is not willing to try something new. So although students should be encouraged to use their existing skill sets, teachers must also challenge students to step outside their comfort zones and work in new areas (For example: Pairing your phone caller with your videographer and working on both activities together).
Here is a sample of a personal interest inventory .
Here's another one .
