Service Learning

Service Learning is a teaching method that combines academic instruction, meaningful service, and critical, reflective teaching to enhance learning and civic responsibility. The students work with teachers and/or individuals-at-risk, problem or academically challenged students in local preschools, elementary and middle schools. They also do computer work, typing, filing, answer the telephone, etc in office sites. At nursing homes, they may deliver mail/newspapers, visit with clients, and set up the recreation room for events. The key to Service Learning is learning to give to others.

The Mauldin High School Service Learning program has several different components. The first few weeks are devoted to team building, learning about others, small service projects (usually within the school) and speakers on potential service sites.

Following this preparation unit, students will be assigned work at a service site. Students will be allowed to leave campus to go to their assigned service site. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to their site.

On Fridays, students will attend class to reflect on the week, work out problems in the services sites and share experiences with the class. Friday will also be reserved for speakers from the community in which students have expressed career interests (medical, law, advertising, etc.)

Students will also be required to participate in at least (3) community service projects as a class. The instructor will choose the first project. The second and third projects will be decided after research and group discussions. Although much of the work on these projects will be done during class time, the actual project may take place after school hours or on the weekend and students are expected to participate.

Service Learning is an opportunity to develop young people who possess virtue, self-worth and concern for their community. It is an evolving course that changes daily. There will be a strong emphasis on accountability and personal responsibility. Students are expected to be on time for each class and to be at their assigned worksites.