Service-Learning comes to Technology Careers
The growing number of students becoming disconnected from the
healthy aspects of our society is a national concern.
More and more students are disengaging from the learning process
resulting in the increase in school drop out rates, the lack of
employable skills, and the poor attitudes of our students. Schools
and communities need to work together to help improve the interpersonal
and communication skills, the respect, and the citizenship values of these students.
The Seacoast School of Technology will address these concerns with a new
initiative called Service-Learning. This pilot program, funded through
a federal grant, will introduce a new approach to learning to our Technology
Careers program over the next year and one-half.
The definition of Service-Learning is a method of learning that challenges
students to identify, research, propose and implement solutions to real needs
in their school or community as part of their regular curriculum. Service-Learning
encourages the experiential application of skills and knowledge; reinforcing the
learning process. It is project-based volunteerism with a strong academic
infrastructure, partnered with local, community, and nonprofit organizations
to provide appropriate interactions with those active in the community who have
chosen to dedicate their lives in altruistic ways. The students, with the support
of these dedicated mentors, experience the internal satisfaction of giving back
to their community and not expecting something back in return.
Character education is the focal point of Service-Learning with the goal to
increase students' interest and future participation in civic life. This is
more likely to be achieved through the involvement of mentors--caring adults,
active in the community, who are positive role models for young people. Research
has shown that benefits to the students include academic learning, civic
responsibility, personal and social development, and opportunities for career exploration.