Service Learning
Educate with service learning
In Service Learning 101, we shared a number of definitions of service-learning. This section presents the principles and pedagogy of service-learning and provides examples and resources as illustrations of how you can use service-learning in your own programs.
Jump to one of these topics below
- Service Learning Principles & Pedagogy
- Curricular Resources
- Examples of Service Learning for Youth
- Examples of Service Learning for Adults
- Opportunities for Funding Service Learning Programs
Service Learning Principles & Pedagogy
The following links to the national Campus Compact site share principles of effective service-learning practice and ideas for how to plan for it. Though these materials were designed with campus-based courses in mind, these concepts can also be used as a basis for service-learning in informal education settings.
- Principles of Good Practice for Service Learning Pedagogy
- Program Characteristics of Effective Service Learning
- Six Models for Service Learning
Curricular Resources
Here you will find resources that will help you create service learning programs. These resources can be adapted for both formal and informal educational settings.
- Resources for Developing Service Learning Programs
- Designing a Service Learning Program in Ten Steps
- Outlining Steps for Planning, Implementing and Assessing a Service Learning Project
- Using the PARE Model in Service Learning
- Fact Sheets from the National Service Learning Clearinghouse
- Building Effective Partnerships in Service Learning
- Character Education and Service Learning
- Recognition in Service Learning
- Risk Management and Liability
- Tribal Service Learning Programs
- Youth Voice in Service Learning
- Resources for Reflection
- Resources for Evaluation
- Evaluation Toolkit: Educators' Guide to Service Learning Program Evaluation
- UW-Extension Program Impacts
- Cooperative Extension Program Evaluation
- Example UW-Extension programs
- Service learning resources from the IDEAS Portal Web Site
Examples of Service Learning for Youth
Service-learning has long been recognized as an effective strategy for positive youth development. Many extension educators throughout the state have developed effective ways to incorporate service-learning and community service into youth programming.
- 4-H Youth Development
- Elements of Service Learning for 4-H
- Promoting Reflection in 4-H Service Learning
- 4-H Community Service Grant Application - Funds available to Wisconsin 4-H clubs to promote community service and service-learning activities.
- Kenosha County Youth as Resources (YAR)
YAR is a program and a philosophy that recognizes youth as valuable community resources. A YAR board of youth and adults jointly raise funds that are then awarded to local youth groups to design and carry out community service projects. - Afterschool Programs and Out-of-School Time
- Afterschool and Service Learning
- Afterschool Service Learning: Four Profiles of Youth Engagement
- Service as a Strategy in Out-of-School Time: A How-to Manual
- Tips for Effective Service Learning Projects in Out-of-School Time Programs
- Giving Teens 100 Ways to Serve in the Community
- Integrating Youth Voice in Service Learning
Examples of Service Learning for Adults
- Diversity Circles
Participants in these study circles help build understanding communities through discussion of issues of diversity and racism. - Wisconsin Master Gardener program
Learners in Master Gardener programs throughout Wisconsin practice their skills and apply their lessons to volunteer projects in their local communities.
Opportunities for Funding Service Learning Programs
- Search for funding sources on the National Service Learning Clearinghouse
- Fundraising and Grant-writing links compiled by Andy Lewis, CNRED, and Will Andresen, Iron County UW-Extension