Service-Based Learning: Gain Knowledge by Giving Back
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A tutoring session can accomplish many things. It can clarify meaning, boost knowledge retention, and build confidence. But here's an aspect of tutoring that you may not have considered: A tutoring session can actually have a positive impact on the community and the world. Service-based learning, a model that's found incredible success at universities nationwide, can also be a part of your child's tutoring plan.
In a recent post, we discussed ways to make the world your classroom. Service-based learning takes this idea a step further, with the notion that, yes, the world is your classroom—and that you should give back to that vast learning space. The benefits of service-based learning are manifold. In just one session, your child learns the value of academic rigor, community-mindedness, and empathy. The opportunities for service-based learning are vast and highly customizable; simply choose the options that work best for your child's schedule, academic plan, and personal interests. Below are a few ideas to help you get started.
Tutees as Tutors: Sound odd? Consider this: Teaching is one of the most effective ways for a student to truly learn information. That's why your child's classroom teacher asks her to read a passage aloud, or to solve an algebra problem on the whiteboard. When a student assumes a teaching role, she is given the opportunity to demonstrate real understanding of the material. Many schools and nonprofit organizations invite older students to tutor younger ones. For example, your seventh-grade student could read books aloud to first-graders. Or, your high-school physics whiz could tutor middle-school students in science.
Go Green for Good Grades: Environmental sustainability is a crucial concept for kids to understand. Their generation will be left with the legacy that others have left behind—and that means they'll need to take proactive steps to reduce waste and to conserve energy. "Green" projects are great for students of all ages and ability levels. Younger kids might enjoy learning about the types of animals that live in the world's most endangered ecosystems. Or, you can include them in your own household recycling plan by asking them to differentiate between recyclable and non-recyclable items. Older students can use their math skills to determine how many years it takes for a Styrofoam takeout box to decompose, or exactly how much more efficient (e.g., watts produced and hours used) a CFL bulb is than a conventional lightbulb.
Math + Service-Based Learning = Tutoring Success: Service-based learning is the perfect answer to the ever-popular inquiry: "When will I use math in real life?" Many community-based activities will show your child that math is not only useful, but also beneficial and charitable. Real-world math skills are required for building projects, such as those conducted by the international nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity. (The old adage "measure twice, cut once" is pretty germane to helping build entire houses!) Your child can also use math when counting cans for a food drive, measuring out ingredients at a meal center or soup kitchen, weighing pets for an animal shelter's files, and so many more scenarios.
Your community is likely to be full of wonderful service-learning opportunities. To help get you started, here are links to a few large organizations that welcome young volunteers.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Starlight Children's Foundation
You can find a tutor who can help your family make service-based learning a part of your child's tutoring plan.
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