As some of you may know, I have been on a committee over the past couple of years to investigate the future of service-learning at Norton High School. The main idea of service-learning is that you integrate some type of service into the classroom learning process. The large project that I have worked on over the past 2 years has been the historical tour of Norton for the 3rd grade. My students research and learn about their local history. They then take their knowledge to the streets of Norton and guide the elementary school students around town. Thats it...boom....you have your learning and your service. I really think this is a great idea.
Here are links to some local newspapers who have covered our activities this year...
http://sunchronicle.com/articles/2009/06/02/news/5032172.txt
http://www.wickedlocal.com/norton/news/education/x313671445/PHOTO-GALLERY-NHS-share-history-with-younger-students
The million dollar question in regards to service-learning is how to we officially integrate it into Norton High? Should there be a requirement for all students? Should all teachers have to complete a service-learning project over the course of the year? Should we simply just encourage it and count the hours towards the community service requirement?
I truly believe in the concept of service-learning. I think it can be one of the most rewarding high school experiences. If you ask any of my students who have done it over the past 2 years, I think they will certainly agree.
Any suggestions or comments? How do we bring about more service-learning?
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