Service Learning Journey
All students are guided through a systems-based five-stage service learning model as part of a framework in which they learn how to take effective action. Guided by teachers and our service partners, students investigate the needs of our partner organisations and the community they serve in order to create a considered response that will answer the organisation's needs.
Students are then guided through opportunities to implement and review their plan for improvements. The final step is to share their learnings with their peers and the wider community with the intent of stimulating further investigation in order to continue their contribution, or to inspire others to build on their previous work.
Step 1
Investigation
Students identify individual interests and skills they can offer to service partners, and research the systemic issues that impact their chosen cause.
This can include desk and field research, with students learning more about our partner organisations through online research, guest speakers and site visits for observation and interviews.
Step 2
Preparation
Students receive any training in skills they may have identified in their initial investigation step, and write age-appropriate service learning goals for their planned course of action. UWCSEA has developed a framework and template to help students with setting goals and measurable targets.
Step 3
Action with value meaning and purpose
Students enact their plans, taking pause at the six-week mark to complete a SWOT analysis in order to measure progress against their targets and identify areas for improvement and/or additional resources or skills required.
Step 4
Reflection
At the end of the planned service programme, students review their goals, obtain feedback from our service partners and reflect on their journey. Part of the process identifies further questions and considers improvements for the service activity.
This reflection often leads to renewed—or new—action.
Step 5
Demonstration
Students solidify their learning through demonstration, which can include: sharing their stories in person; through presentations to friends, peers and family; blogs, multimedia and vlogging; learning journals and news stories.
All of these activities raise awareness of the impact of service and inspire others to take action to make a positive contribution to their own communities.