What are the benefits of a service-learning field trip?

Service-learning is a teaching method that combines service to the community using classroom curriculum. It is more than merely community service but rather a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering responsibility within a society. Service-learning provides a context for talking about learning in terms of not only what students know but also what they are able to do. Participating in service allows students to use their gifts to benefit the world, which in-turn benefits themselves and their understanding of the greater purpose in their lives. Service-learning based field trips come in all forms and sizes. From half-day drives to a national park to a camping trip out of the city, field trips present a way for teachers to approach knowledge in a completely new way and for kids to have fun while learning.

Field trips give children a chance to experience hands-on learning while also being introduced to new environments. Stepping out of the classroom wards of boredom in the classroom and provides students with challenges that allow for more individualized learning while classroom teaching is often generalized and many times targeted to the slowest learners in the group. During field trips, kids have a chance to go the extra step and take on as much information as they want and can.

The distinctive element of service-learning is that it enhances the community through the service provided while resulting in a powerful learning experience

for others participating in providing a service. Service-learning is growing so rapidly because we can see its powerful impact on young people

and their development. Whatever the setting, the core element of

service-learning is always the intent that both providers and recipients find the experience beneficial, even transforming while linking to academic content and standards.

Field trips allow kids to get to know each other and interact in a more relaxed environment, without the pressure of grades or the constraints of the classroom. Field trips are a great way to cement difficult information. Historical facts, biology knowledge or even physics and chemistry can be experienced first-hand during a field trip.

Experts believe there are different methods of learning, including visual, auditory and tactile. Students who learn better through doing will greatly benefit from field trips, where the senses come into play a lot more than they would ever do in a classroom. Depending on the type of field trip, teachers can take advantage of this by allowing kids to not only observe but have a first hand experience and play a role in the lives of others. While tests and classroom education may work more effectively for some kids over others, field trips place everybody on an equal playing field. Studies prove using the hands-on method of teaching provides students with a greater learning experience rather than merely having it taught to them. Field trips can also be a great way to provide interaction among subjects. For example, a trip to a local nature center could be used to explore the flora and fauna, practice concepts learned in physics and mathematics, used to jump-start writing topics or made into a history and geography lesson.

Critical to this type of learning is building in time for students to reflect on their service experience. Reflection time helps students make the connection between classroom and community learning, and ensures they understand the extent to which they can impact positive change.

For more information or to make a difference through a service learning program, sign up for an educational tour, call Appleseed at (877) 889-7150 or visit www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.

Discovering Your Global Cause

Although I've had the privilege of circling the globe 3 times and making several short-term trips across the sea... it still took me many years to find my purpose in it all.  Perhaps my story might help you on your journey as you begin to peal back the layers of this world to see its deepest needs revealed and search for your own personal way to be a part of the solution.  A humbling start would be to recognize that a) you do not have all the answers b) you cannot save the world and c) to take it one day at a time/ one person at a time. Let me explain:  I initially took it into my own hands to make the world a better place because I assumed no one else was willing.  What I thought was heroic was actually quite arrogant.  Don't get me wrong, it's ok to be compassionate and willing.... but I tragically began to think that I was the answer to their problems therefore deserving much credit and praise for rescuing the world from issues that have been around since the beginning of time.  So, instead of "saving mankind" I was only hurting it by feeding my ego and taking up more space with my head.  Not until recently did I realize these hidden motives.

Towards the end of last year I vividly remember speaking with one of my mentors as I expressed such sadness for all of the pain in the world and how I just wanted to fix it all.  Through the tears and snotty mess they gently pointed out that perhaps I was carrying the burden of the world on my shoulders.  After wrestling with this thought for many days, I began to see the truth in it all.  And at first, it was not pretty.  I had assumed from the very beginning of my "missions" that it was MY responsibility or  "global cause" to save the world from it's problems.  With that, and the many I saw with problems I couldn’t fix... I began to carry a huge burden of sadness, guilt, disappointment, and anger. Now that was a definite wake-up call! 

Finally, I truly understood what it meant to have a “Global Cause”!  It was never really about me, and once I began to see that… I was able to rest in my talents, capabilities and the timing of it all.  I finally saw that it really was about one person at a time, no matter where I was in the world!   My purpose in it all was to be a transporter.  I was a vessel of love, hope, kindness, joy, peace, faith, etc.  I was meant to be there in the moment with people... to give them a true hope for a better tomorrow, laugh with them, cry with them, share what I had to give, and to give them something to believe it.  So now, instead of feeling the pressure and weight of the world on my shoulders I focus on the one standing right in front of me and ask myself... "How can I love/serve this person best right here, right now?" 

One of the most vivid memories was when my YWAM (Youth With A Mission) team traveled to northern India in 2009.  We found ourselves in a little village in the boonies looking very different from those who occupied the land.  One woman I met must've been approaching 100, or at least her skin said so.  This woman was so gentle, beautiful and delicate.  Although she had been blind most of her life, we formed an unlikely bond.  I clearly remember spending many hours praying for her sight to return.  I held her hand tightly through the church services and meals.  Even though her sight didn't improve too significantly, I had a complete peace that she knew in those moments that she was loved like she had never been loved before.  So even though God did not heal her eyes, I knew He was healing her heart.  One night as she was squeezing my hand in the back of the tiny church, I knew there was no where else on earth I was meant to be than right there right then with this beautifully aged soul.