The Maine Commission for Community Service has released a 72-page guide designed to help teachers effectively use service-learning in their classrooms.
“Service-Learning in Maine – A Guide to Implementing Quality Service-Learning” includes an overview of service-learning goals and strategies for Maine schools, a comprehensive instructional planning guide, and worksheets for both teachers and students.
The guide, the first of its kind in Maine, opens with a letter from Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen. “If we want our students to take charge of their learning and become lifelong learners,” he writes, “there’s no doubt more and more of our educators will discover service-learning works.”
Jed Bloom, service-learning coordinator for schools in Sanford, calls the guide a “great mix of information.”
“It shares the theory and benefits of service-learning, while giving useful, specific tools and activities for teachers, schools, and organizations doing service-learning,” he says. “The guide can help you advocate for service-learning, plan your instruction, and engage your students.”
The service-learning guide is available at no cost by contacting Richard Higgins at richard.higgins@maine.gov. Those making requests must include their full name, title, organization and mailing address, and note whether they are requesting printed copies or the electronic file.
A federal Learn and Serve America grant covered printing costs. A volunteer, Susan Benedict of Winslow, contributed design and preparation work.
More information about the Maine Commission for Community Service is available online at maineservicecommission.gov.