Service-Learning Project Tips

Start small. The smaller the first project is, the more likely it is that it will be successful, less stressful, and more manageable for all involved. As you become more familiar with service-learning, create bigger projects. Remember, the journey starts with one step, not a leap.

Attempt to identify a project the provides direct service to people or places. Students experience a greater sense of accomplishment when they can see or “connect” with the service recipient.
With many service-learning projects, guest speakers and presenters can be an asset to project development and increase connections to your community. Have a questions and answer discussion regarding the specific topic. If students have chosen to clean up a park, have gardeners, naturalists, professors, and others professionals come in to discuss environmental issues and help plan the project.

For any successful project, there must first be research on the part of the students. Without research, the issues or problems are rarely resolved. Research will help get to the source of the problem. With almost any topic, there is a wealth of information that students can research do help them become project experts and connect with the world around them.  Here are some additional project tips from the teachers SEE has worked with over the years.
  • Get parents involved. Have students create a week / month in review newsletter to send home. The newsletter can contain a review of the project goals, updates on the project, new ideas, upcoming events, materials needed, etc… This great activity combines a parent connection, reflection, curriculum standards, and group work. 
  • Make sure that the project is student created and driven The project will be more successful if the students have meaningful input into project development. 
  • Have students write letters to policy makers, government officials, experts in their project area, or community members and have the responses go to their home address. 
  • Get your administrator’s approval, It is much easier to proceed with a project if you have the backing of the school administration. Send them invitations to see the project “in action”. 
  • Have clearly articulated service and learning goals for everyone involved. This will help you as you integrate service-learning into the existing curriculum. 
  • Clarify the roles and responsibilities for each person involved and be certain that students know one another’s responsibilities. 
  • Make sure the project addresses a real need, problem, or issue. 
  • If you think transportation may be an issue during your project, identify what resources you have to meet your transportation needs. Planning is critical. Anticipate obstacles and troubleshoot for possible solutions. Work with the students as they do the same. 
  • Have students keep a log of their actions, involvement, reflection, and roles. 
  • Be organized and reflect often. 
  • Celebrate the small things, students need to be congratulated on their accomplishments. Throw a project party and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
​​Ethics in action creates character