Community Based Service Learning
Resources to help develop CBSL in your CLC School
School-Community Partnerships making a difference in the community
How to "do" CBSL
Popular wisdom says that the important attributes of service-learning include:
• genuine community need
• community partnerships
• preparation
• structured reflection
• clear connection to the curriculum
• student voice
Your project should be structured to include all of these attributes. With that in mind, let's consider how to go about it. Check out a service learning rubric to reflect on how your project meets the criteria.
Generally speaking, there are three stages to a successful service learning project. They are:
1. Preparation
2. Action
3. Reflection
Source: goodcharacter.com
CLC Blogs
The Bloomer Report
http://clc-blog.learnquebec.ca/
CLC Presents...
http://clcpresents.blogspot.ca/
Bloomer Report (version 1)
http://bloomerreport.blogspot.ca/
Student Voice
In terms of making a project feel meaningful to students, the more voice and choice, the better. However, teachers should design projects with the extent of student choice that fits their own style and students.
- On the limited-choice end of the scale, learners can select what topic to study within a general Driving Question or choose how to design, create, and present products.
- As a middle ground, teachers might provide a limited menu of options for creative products to prevent students from becoming overwhelmed by choices.
- On the “the more the better” end of the scale, students can decide what product they will create, what resources they will use, and how they will structure their time. Students could even choose a project’s topic and Driving Question.
Source: 8 Essentials for Project-Based Learning, p3
Selected Student Voice Resources:
Authentic Assessment Strategies
Use this rubric to assess the effectiveness of a student’s essay, speech, poster, or any type of assignment that incorporates persuasion.
Formative Assessment Strategies
Tools for formative assessment. Techniques to check for understanding.
Authentic Assessment- Literature Synopsis
Evidence based reasons to lead students through authentic learning situations and how to assess learning.
Reflection
Edutopia offers a list of 40 reflection questions. Reflection is a key aspect of CBSL.
Good Character offers an explanation of why reflection in service learning is important, reflection questions and reflection activities.
Progression of Questions for Reflection - NYLC
Partnerships
Great websites to get lost in...
Edutopia - Sharing evidence- and practitioner-based learning strategies that empower you to improve K-12 education.
Buck Institute for Education - BIE offers professional development on how to design, assess, and manage projects that engage and motivate students.
Community Works Institute- A network of support for engaged educators
Selected Articles
Community Based Learning Coordinator
Website: http://blogs.learnquebec.ca/wordpress-mu/thebloomerreport/
Twitter: @cbsl_quebec