By all counts, Cathryn Berger Kaye is the doyenne of service learning. She has written a multitude of books touching on a wide range of approaches to service learning, with The Complete Guide to Service Learning topping the list as the definitive bible.
Those of us on my school's Public Purpose Task Force were given this book to read over the summer. (For more information about the goal of this Task Force see The Public Purpose of Private Schools.) Berger Kaye's book is a jam-packed resource that provides a detailed explanation of what service learning is, research to support the benefits of service learning, a hefty book list geared to different ages and subjects, and practical ideas for implementation organized by 13 themes. A CD is included that contains over 20 reproducible forms and templates plus additional material.
According to Berger Kaye, service learning can be defined as a research-based teaching method where guided or classroom learning is applied through action that addresses an authentic community need in a process that allows for youth initiative and provides structured time for reflection on the service experience and demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge.
She anticipates the varied questions that teachers might have by providing questions and answers throughout the introductory chapters. I suspect that if someone comes up with an unasked question and gets in touch with her, Berger Kaye would have a response!
The first chapter explains in depth the concept of Service Learning, beginning with K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice: (1)Meaningful Service, (2) Link to Curriculum, (3) Reflection, (4) Diversity, (5) Youth Voice, (6) Partnerships, (7) Progress Monitoring and (8) Duration and Intensity.
Of course, the book explains all of these in detail! To carry out these standards, a process is delineated, though keep in mind that while the process is sequential, many of the components overlap. The process consists of:
• Investigation – determining what resources exist within the student group, and what needs exist within the community
• Preparation and Planning – figuring out what additional information is needed in order to get involved
• Action – carrying out the plan
• Action – carrying out the plan
• Reflection – a continual process between/among students, teachers and the community
• Demonstration – sharing the fruits of the process with others
Teachers will quickly figure out that this book was written by a teacher for teachers. Cathryn Berger Kaye leaves little out in her detailed approach, and her passion for this approach shines through. I am glad to have this guide for what is sure to be a bit of a change in how my school "does school".