Wondering Through Service Learning Professor Mark Jackson, Trinity Lutheran College

Getting into the Conversation What impact can service experiences have on youth? What role might service and mission experiences play in “opening up” important topics and issues relevant in their lives and in today’s world?

What issues do you think or wonder about? What concerns you? What controversial issues are being faced in our community? What are “hot topic” issues in our nation or world? We Wonder – Identifying Issues

We Wonder – Digging Deeper Question 1: What’s the issue/problem/question? How can it be defined?

We Wonder – Digging Deeper Question 2: Who does it involve? Who has a stake? Who is affected?

We Wonder – Digging Deeper Question 3: What perspectives exist concerning the issue? What do people say and do regarding the issue? Where is there controversy or conflicting views?

We Wonder – We Learn and Act What if we …?

Introduction to Service Learning Service learning is an intentional learning process that can add value and deeper meaning to service and mission experiences. Three key elements: PREPARE > DEBRIEF > TELL THE STORY

Introduction to Service Learning Play the video that accompanies this session to introduce the service learning process, or utilize the following slides.

Key Elements of Service Learning Three components of effective service learning experiences: (1)Prepare well (2)Debrief the experience (3)Tell the story Skip this series of slides if the video is used.

(1) Prepare Well Study the issue – Explore the topic/issue, consider who is involved or affected, what perspectives exist, etc. Listen to others – Hear voices of those affected or impacted by the topic/issue. Skip this series of slides if the video is used.

(1) Prepare Well Explore Scripture – Study biblical passages that speak to the topic/issue to discover insights from a Christian faith perspective. Skip this series of slides if the video is used.

(2) Debrief the Experience Reflect – Provide time and space to debrief the experience to discover insights, answers, solutions, or new questions and concerns. Use a variety of creative reflection methods. Skip this series of slides if the video is used.

(2) Debrief the Experience Return to Scripture – Revisit biblical passages to discover new insights. “What’s next?” – Consider ways to continue learning, challenges to attitudes and behaviors, and/or possibilities for further action. Skip this series of slides if the video is used.

(3) Tell the Story Craft the message – Determine the message or story that can be told in light of the group’s experience. Share with others – Consider how the story can be told and with whom. Be creative in sharing! Skip this series of slides if the video is used.

Try It Out: Using Service Learning Choose a potential service or mission experience Use the Service Learning Planning Guide Design a project that addresses the issue your group wants to explore

A Final Note Remember: Many topics, issues, and questions don’t have easy answers! Many issues are incredibly complex, controversial, or not quickly resolved However, engaging in such topics calls us as Christians toward more faithful action

Closing the Conversation Gracious God, give us insight into issues we think and wonder about, questions we wrestle with, concerns we raise, challenges we face, opportunities we identify, and stories we share. Provide us with courage to wonder and explore, and call us into a faithful response as Christians in the world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.