Service Learning: A Creative Strategy for Inclusive Classrooms

Abstract

The movement for full inclusion is often hindered by the lack of creative and alternative teaching methodologies in regular classrooms. Service learning not only offers an alternative to traditional classroom teaching methods, it is also a vehicle to provide inclusive community based instruction, to promote the development of communities, and to provide functional skills training. This paper defines service learning and its components while also discussing applicability of service learning for all students.

Adaptive Behavior and Skills Important to Community Use

“…The student with a disability works simultaneously on a related goal in the same setting (Beck et al, 1994;Burcroff et al, 2003). Finally, service learning provides an opportunity for students with and without disabilities to complete a service project that meets a community need and augments academic learning (Dymond et al, 2008;Gent & Gurecka, 1998).…”

Service-Learning Opportunities That Include Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities

“…In contrast, these authors found that high school students who engaged in service activities directed solely to helping students with severe disabilities (e.g., Special Olympics) did not evidence significant changes in attitude. • Gent and Gurecka (1998) have also discussed the appropriateness of service learning for students with severe disabilities, and the potential benefits of creating more natural peer supports, responsible citizenship, and integrated learning and assessment strategies. These authors have noted that even students with severe disabilities can learn to reflect on the impact of what they have learned.…”

Project K.I.D.S. C.A.N.: Service-Learning in the Classroom and Community

“…Â Aids with the current push for inclusive practices. Gent and Gurecka (1998) state that the current push for inclusion of students with special needs in the general education classroom is sometimes difficult. The methodology of service-learning provides solutions for inclusive needs in several ways.…”