“Real World Learning”
in the 21st Century
Key Concepts: Integrated Curriculum, Constructivism, Traditionalism,
Progressivism, Service Learning, Academic Vocabulary
Key Academic Vocabulary: Concept Formation, Concept Attainment

Is
this
“Constructivism”?

“Real World Learning Skills”

KEY CONCEPT #5:
SERVICE LEARNING

Service Learning is____
__________________
__________________

“Service”
or “Service Learning”?
– Recycling Programs
– Pennies for Paws
– “A Better World”
Global Projects
– Kids Cure for Cancer
– MS Read-a-thon
– Jump Rope for Heart
– Locks for Love
Are these examples?
Concept
Attainment

DEFINITION: Service learning is a
philosophy involving the application of
academic skills to solving real-life problems
in the community

Service Learning is characterized
by students and teachers making
decisions about:
– Community issues & needs to
be addressed
– Areas of the curriculum to be
addressed in the project
– Roles of participants
– Publicity needs
Service learning has 4
components:
– Preparation
– Action
– Reflection
– Demonstration

Why Service Learning?
– Decrease in school suspensions, dropouts
and teenage pregnancy
– Positive attitudes towards adults
– Gains in self confidence, self-worth, self-
esteem & social competence
– Classes less boring & more related to life
– Decrease in discipline problems
– Gain career skills & career exploration
knowledge
– Positive effects to moral
development/character development
– More trustworthy, responsible, caring and
altruistic
– Greater awareness of cultural diversity
– More concerned about community and
community issues
21ST CENTURY
LEARNING

Is
this
“Service Learning”?

“Real World Learning”
in the 21st Century
“Are we preparing kids to write tests for life,
or are we preparing FOR the tests of life”
***Art Costa, Habits of Mind