Service Learning - Case Study 5

Case Study 5: The Leigh UTC, Dartford, UK

'Success for a student depends on where they are trying to find meaning in what they are doing'

Context? 'Links to career areas both inside and outside of school brings authentic opportunities to the Service Learning aspect of the CP'.

What is the key to successful service learning experience over the two year course?
Research: there needs to be a thorough research stage so students can clearly identify the needs of all stakeholders
Skills: students need time to build skills across the course so CP1 can very much be about building skills working on projects within the school community
Practicality: students need skills that can help turn theory into practice
Inspire and celebrate: a sense of competition can work well with students as well as key moments to recognise the achievements fo service learning opportunities
Where are the problems? Service learning can seem relatively straightforward when students already have interests and the drive to push these further. Students can really struggle when they have no real starting interests.
What role does the whole core play in service learning success? For the service learning to work, it needs to be closely affiliated with the PPS course and the development of ATL skills and 'teaching students how to be learners'. There should be explicit application of shared core elements such as ethical issues and dilemmas. These are often taught in a separate section of the course but opportunities can be found to bring this into service learning with the identification of needs in the local community that involves a clear ethical dilemma.

Key takeaway? Look at potential for legacy in the service learning projects that are created with the community as this
gives a greater sense of 'working with' rather than 'working for'.

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