The discussion around education reform has been ongoing over several decades and continues to be an important topic of conversation when looking at the success of the education system. The need for education reform is deeply rooted in the concept of change. As people and countries develop, they change and their needs change, one of these needs is education. For education to be effective, it needs to adapt to the changing times, consider what is happening in society as a whole and how this affects a student’s ability to learn. Service-learning is an instructional pedagogy that is used to adapt and enhance the needs of the ever-changing education system and help the community at large.
What is education reform?
Education reform looks at changing how a school or school system works, ultimately improving schools. This includes examining methodologies, teaching practices and administrative processes. The aim is to ensure that the education system is teaching students the knowledge and skills needed for them to adapt to the world around them.
In his research, Fullen (1994), describes a need for the education system to be a learning organization that can develop a change capacity[1]. This requires innovation, specifically from educators, who need to look at the changes happening in society and adapt their teaching methods to impact and reach their students[2].
Change in society is inevitable but adapting to that change is what will bring about success. Students are not facing the same challenges as they did ten years ago. Advances in technology, struggling economies, and societal pressures are having an impact on their ability to learn. To effectively teach, educators need to take these elements into account, examine student outcomes and change the way in which the education system functions.
Standing in front of a class giving a lecture or reading out of a book is no longer an effective education technique. The education system needs to change with the times to improve schools with education reform being part of this process. One of the ways in which this is being done is through the inclusion of service-learning in school curriculums.
Creating a change in education through service-learning
Service-learning is a pedagogy that is used by educators to answer the need for change in the school system. To connect learning to the real world and help the community through meaningful action. The five stages of service learning; investigation, planning preparation, action, reflection and demonstration/communication are core components of integration. Through the five stages students understand real world problems, they collaborate with peers and community partners to solve these problems and take action. Service-learning is deeply rooted in experiential learning. This is used on the basis that experience enhances understanding and understanding leads to more effective action[3]. Service-learning aims to give students a better understanding of the world around them, how they fit into that world and how they can ultimately work at making it a better place.
Service-learning looks at the real-world application of global competencies (skills and dispositions) which helps facilitate critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, teamwork, responsibility as well as citizenship[4]. These skills are enhanced through a number of different learning approaches that can be incorporated into education and training; these include:
Inquiry-based learning
Inquiry-based learning is a process where students are involved in their education. They formulate questions, investigate widely and then build new understandings, meanings and knowledge. That knowledge is new to the students and may be used to answer a question, to develop a solution or to support a position or point of view. The knowledge is usually presented to others and may result in some sort of action[5]
Inquiry-based learning helps to develop skills such as analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, and reflecting. These skills help students become more independent and take responsibility for their learning, allowing them the freedom to ask questions and get involved, which ultimately increases their engagement in the course work. Throughout the inquiry process students also learn and practice collaboration and communication skills[6].
Project-based learning
Project-based learning is an instructional approach designed to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through engaging projects set around challenges and problems they may face in the real world. This approach challenges students to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex problem, or challenge with deep and sustained attention[7].
Project-based learning connects students to the real world preparing them to accept and meet various challenges that they might come across. This approach enables students to engage deeply with the target content, bringing about a focus on long-term retention. It also improves student attitudes toward education, thanks to its ability to keep students engaged[8].
Instructional learning
Instructional learning makes use of several learning techniques that teachers can use to help students become independent and strategic learners[9]. These techniques are used to enhance students’ learning abilities. Not all students learn the same way, which is why it is essential to make use of different learning strategies within the classroom. By using different instructional learning techniques, you can motivate students, help them understand the course content and ultimately create more student engagement. Some of these techniques include[10]:
- Cooperative learning
- Group work and discussions
- Independent study
- Portfolio development
- Journals and learning logs
- Role-play
- Cognitive organizers (graphic or visual learning tools)
The education system needs education reform to continue to innovate and change with the times in order to help students adapt to the world around them. The implementation of best practices in teaching and learning, like service-learning, are challenging students to think critically, problem-solve, collaborate, and look at themselves in relation to society and how they can contribute in meaningful ways. By connecting inquiry, project-based learning and service-learning, students can develop self efficacy and agency. This ultimately creates responsible global citizens who will become our leaders of the future.
[1] M, Fullan. (1994). Change Forces: Probing the Depths of Educational Reform. The United States of America.The Falmer Press. Pg 4.
[2] M, Fullan. (1994). Change Forces: Probing the Depths of Educational Reform. The United States of America.The Falmer Press. Pg 4.
[3] Astin,A,W, Eyler,J, & Dwight, E,G Jr. (1999). Where’s The Learning In Service-Learning?. United States of America, Jossey-Bass. PG 8
[4] Jacoby,B, Howard,J. (2015).Service-Learning Essentials: Questions, Answers and Lessons Learned. United States of America, Jossey-Bass. PG81
[5] Learning, A. (2004). Focus on Inquiry: A educator’s guide to implementing inquiry-based learning. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Learning.
[6] Learning, A. (2004). Focus on Inquiry: A educator’s guide to implementing inquiry-based learning. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Learning.
[7] Schuetz, R. (1 June 2018). Project-Based Learning: Benefits, Examples, and Resources. Viewed on 24 January 2020. https://www.schoology.com/blog/project-based-learning-pbl-benefits-examples-and-resources
[8] Schuetz, R. (1 June 2018). Project-Based Learning: Benefits, Examples, and Resources. Viewed on 24 January 2020. https://www.schoology.com/blog/project-based-learning-pbl-benefits-examples-and-resources
[9] Alberta. Alberta Learning. (2002). Health and life skills for kindergarten to grade 9 : teacher resource; guide to implementation. Viewed on 24 January. https://education.alberta.ca/media/482311/is.pdf
[10] Alberta. Alberta Learning. (2002). Health and life skills for kindergarten to grade 9 : teacher resource; guide to implementation. Viewed on 24 January. https://education.alberta.ca/media/482311/is.pdf
Tara brings passion and a deep understanding of service learning, rooted in years of experience, to her training. Her training builds bridges from theory to implementation while generously sharing her resources and knowledge to ensure our success. Tara works with the whole school (administration, teachers, students, and SL leaders) to build a sustainable program that is embedded in the curriculum and tied to the mission. She energized a faculty on a Friday afternoon, no easy feat, leaving them with a desire to learn more about SL and to become more involved. I cannot recommend Tara highly enough.
