Advancing Service Learning: From Ideas to Action Workshop

The workshop commenced with a series of introductions, establishing a collaborative atmosphere among participants. Cathy set the tone by emphasising the pivotal role of quotes in service education, underlining how these profound words can inspire and guide both educators and students alike.

Immersive experiences throughout the day delved into the intricacies of Service Learning, exploring ways to transform ideas into impactful actions within educational settings. The participants built a collaborative definition of Service Learning which reflected the following points. 

Service Learning always has:

• Academic Relevance, Rigour & Application

• Social Analysis and High Level Thinking

• Youth Initiative, Voice & Choice

• Reciprocal Partnerships

• Observing Change over Time

• Aspects of Social & Emotional Integration

• Inquiry Based: Purpose and Process

• Emphasis of Intrinsic over Extrinsic Motivation

• Respect & Understanding of Diversity

• Career Ideas

• Global Connections

• Reflection

• Literature

• 21st Century Skills Integration

An inquiry into what a Service Learning Student looks like led to the following generalisations. 

With Service Learning, students:

• ask questions

• listen and retain

• are observant

• identify similarities and differences

• work independently, with partners, and in groups

• identify and apply their skills and talents

• develop their interests

• show curiosity that leads to innovation

• learn from mistakes

• distinguish between cognition and affect (thoughts and feelings)

• discern what has value

• maintain integrity in thought and action

• extend ideas

• acquire assistance as needed

• exhibit resilience

• are resourceful

  • gather and manage information

  • summarise and take notes

• effectively solve problems

  • test hypotheses

  • follow-through with reasonable steps

• organise their time and activities

• incorporate change as a constructive process to learning and to life

• transfer ideas to new settings and situations

A significant portion of the day was dedicated to understanding the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the classroom. Through engaging group activities, educators explored creative ways to incorporate these global objectives into their teaching methodologies. The workshop highlighted the "Good Life Goals," an approach tailored for younger children, ensuring that the essence of service learning is both accessible and meaningful for all age groups. The Good Life Goals served as an impactful provocation for the start of the PYP Exhibition with Stonehill P8 learners.

The second day of the workshop was equally enriching, focusing on practical applications of service learning principles. Educators embarked on a journey of self-discovery through the creation of personal inventories, a reflective process that laid the foundation for understanding one's unique strengths and areas for growth in the realm of service education.

Cathy introduced the process of Service Learning which follows five stages.