Discussions

Your Name and Title: Matthew Rudisi - Faculty of Science

School Name: Appleby College

Co-Presenter Name(s): N/A

Country from Which You Will Present: Canada

Language in Which You Will Present: English

Target Audience (such as primary school teachers, high school administrators, students, etc.): Middle and High School Teachers and Administrators; Global Education Specialists

Short Session Description (one line): This session takes a critical look at the current international service learning model and suggests ways to improve it to ensure a high level of student benefit

Full Session Description (as long as you would like):

Service learning as a form of experiential education has changed dramatically over the last two decades. With the realities of increased globalization, service learning has experienced a stronger international focus. While the positive aspects of service learning are widely known and appreciated, there exists components of this type of learning that are in need of attention. This session reviews some aspects of what is "typical" of International Service Learning projects and addresses some of the areas that are falling short of the intended outcomes of this unique learning experience. In addition, this session offers perspectives from experienced organizations currently running international service projects, and aspects of the learning model that they see as in need of change. Suggestions are made on how to move toward a more valuable and sustainable model of service learning in order to address the current pitfalls in this field of experiential education. These suggestions are intended to help organizations, schools and teachers create programs for international service learning experiences that are more beneficial, long-lasting and transformative for students participating in them. Although the focus of this session is international in context, the same principals can be applied by schools to local service learning initiatives.

Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session (if any): N/A