Benefits of Service Learning

Based on a Blog by Lisa Morehouse

Original Publication Date:  08/03/2009

Fowler School District in California turned to community service and service learning to engage students.  Working with their community the school district developed the “Big 10” character traits to be taught in school.  The staff, after researching service learning and discovering that service learning “could engage hard to reach students as well as the general student body” (Morehouse, 2009) decided to take it a step farther out into the community.     

All students in the Fowler School District are expected to be involved in community service and the projects range from a few weeks to the full year.  Secondary students have an annual service requirement and must log their hours.  Teachers are free to design service projects that interest them and their classes.  The only condition is that the project be of “genuine service” (Morehouse, 2009).  Teachers have discovered that service learning is “a great way to teach standards without having to rely exclusively on book, pencil, and paper lessons” (Morehouse, 2009).  Students have taken ownership of their learning and are truly engaged in learning and providing necessary services to the community. 

The service learning initiative has been in place for over 10 years.  The district supports teachers in this effort by providing professional development for new teachers or teachers wanting to refresh skills in service learning.  The school also helps to create awareness within the community of the service projects during the year by sponsoring community forums and exhibits of service learning.

How has service learning affected student outcomes?  According to the district, students have increased scores on the state mandated tests by 10% and have a 97% attendance rate.  In addition, less than 1% of students drop out of high school.  Students have not only developed ties to the community but have also created “long-lasting alliances” between classmates through working on common goals.  Through service learning students are not only learning content but have developed a sense of community.

Morehouse, L. (2009, August 3). Rural students reap academic gains from community service [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/service-learning-fowler