There are no lack of resources available to support Community Based Learning and Service Learning projects. While there is no need to reinvent the wheel, every teacher knows teaching is not just following a recipe. Scroll below to find useful links to help you.

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

Need inspiration? See examples of CBSL projects germinating in CLCs.

The Bloomer Report
http://clc-blog.learnquebec.ca/

CLC Presents...
http://clcpresents.blogspot.ca/

Bloomer Report (version 1)
http://bloomerreport.blogspot.ca/

"[Student voice is] the active opportunity for students to express their opinions and make decisions regarding the planning, implementation, and evaluation of their learning experiences." Rogers, A. (2005). Student voice: Bridges to learning. Seattle: University of Washington. Online.

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:

1. Defining Excellence: Building Assessment Criteria with Kids
2. SoundOut- Student Voice in Schools
   
3. What Kids Can Do -WKCD.org
4. Student Voice Rubric
   

Persuasion Rubric
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.

What? So What? Now What?

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

In 2012, the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) developed a guide to help teachers and community partners work better together.

National Youth Leadership Council- Creating powerful learning opportunities and stronger communities.

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

Student Engagement: A Leadership Priority
An interview with J. Douglas Willms

Student Engagement Resource Roundup

New Study: Engage Kids With 7x the Effect-Todd Finely

Learning by Doing: Students Taking Greening to the Community