Preparing Students for a Service Learning Trip

Oct. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- There are a number of unique ways to mature the learning goals set for a service learning trip. To begin, it is essential to ensure that both students and faculty leaders understand the role an individual plays in service learning; this includes appreciating how the development of learning goals will foster an importance for future service learning trip responsibilities.

There are many tips to planning a successful school trip

Each service learning trip will be unique in several different ways. To better understand how to prepare students for a service learning trip, teacher leaders are encouraged to teach their students what a service learning trip is about. The following points will help build the student group’s confidence, anxiousness and interest in a learning trip. Service learning is defined by:

   The active and reflective learning of a community and oneself
   Community learning that includes volunteer work and assignment completion
   Community learning that includes hands-on responsibilities and partnership roles

Students should be informed that their participation in a service learning project can and will introduce them to expectations and priorities that they may be unfamiliar with, or uncertain of, in the beginning stages. It is imperative that students are kept informed on the level of service learning they will be taking part in and how to embrace the experience with open arms and an open heart.

   Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.
   —Aristotle

For years, Appleseed Expeditions has taken the initiative to improve educational student travel through the incorporation of domestic and international service learning trips. The opportunity to partake in a service learning trip will prepare students for interactive community sessions that include: teamwork, goal-setting and learning development.

Service learning trips are certainly a project of both civil responsibility and moral understanding. They are set forth to engage students in the essence of what giving back and giving forth is really about. Through service learning trips, students are given the opportunity to not only grow their knowledge, but to learn, experience and reflect on new things. Each student will be able to find their interests and abilities of community work while engaged on a domestic or international service learning trip.

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Appleseed is a service learning organization that's main objective is to empower students into discovering how their talents can impact others in a positive way. For more information call us at 1-877-889-7150 or go to our website at www.appleseedexpeditions.com