Capturing+the+essence+of+learning+in+K-12+classrooms

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** Capturing the essence of learning in K-12 classrooms through service learning projects **

Abalo Adewui, Professor, Central Michigan University [adewulaf@cmich.edu]

**Keywords:** K-12 teaching, pre-service teachers, teacher education program, student motivation for learning

**Conference track:** K-12 civic and learning outcomes

**Format:** Poster presentation

This paper describes different types of service learning projects and their impact on K-12 students’ motivation for learning. It focuses on the pedagogic aspect of service learning that engages pre-service and in-service teachers and students in learning experiences that have both academic and civic merits. The underlying motive of this paper is the high value placed on encouraging prospective and veteran teachers to integrate and implement service learning projects in their various teaching contexts.
 * Summary **

I will present firsthand accounts of the merit of service learning as experienced by pre-service teachers and K-12 classroom students. All pre-service teachers agreed that it was worth undertaking their project with classroom students. Many suggested that they would recommend this type of project to other teachers because of the high level of students’ motivation for learning. One pre-service teacher wrote: “This experience was truly one of the most rewarding parts of my internship.”

Pre-service teachers’ involvement in service learning constitutes a vital part of their internship experience. In the course of several semesters, a growing interest in service learning activities began to take root in K-12 teaching contexts and was being supported by administrators, parents, and students. In light of students and pre-service teachers’ accounts of their service experience described in this paper, it should no longer be surprising that service learning will continue to gain esteem and recognition as an integral part of any program in K-12 or higher education contexts. It is my hope that K-12 schools and higher education institutions with teacher education programs and teaching degree seeking students may benefit from the initiatives and insights from various accounts of service learning described in this paper.

Cairn, R., & Kielsmeier, J. (1991). //Growing hope: A sourcebook on integrating youth service into the school curriculum//. St. Paul, MN: National Youth Leadership Council.
 * References **

Dewey, J. (1938). //Experience and Education//. New York, NY: Collier Books.

Glaser, W. (1993). //The quality school teacher//. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.

Kilpatrick, W. (1918). The project method. //Teachers College Record//, 319–335.

Kromer, T. (1998). Your classroom through service learning. //MBEA Today.// Central Michigan University Press, 6–9.

Wade, R. (1995). //Service learning in teacher education: A handbook.// National Service Learning in Teacher Education Partnership. Learn and Serve America Higher Education Grant.


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