Group Endeavours in Service Learning

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Group Endeavours in Service Learning
July 2009 Intake
www.nie.edu.sg/gesl
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Mission
To develop education professionals Leaders in
the service of learners
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Desired Attributes of Student-Teachers

• Care and concern for all pupils
• Collaboration, sharing and team spirit
• Desire for continual learning, excellence and
  innovation
• Commitment and dedication to the profession
• Respect for diversity

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Holistic Education

• Whole persons
• Good citizens
• Sound values
• A sense of belonging
• Community-centred

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Staff Facilitator

• A guide and consultant
• Facilitates communication in the group
• Helps maintain momentum
• Acts as resource person
• May initiate liaison with external organisation
• Acts as an evaluator of the groups and members
  performance

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What is Service-Learning?

• a method under which students learn develop
  through thoughtfully-organised service
• that is conducted in and meets the needs of a
  community
• that helps foster civic responsibility and
• is integrated with and enhances the academic
  curriculum or includes structured time for the
  students to reflect on the service experience
• (AAHE 1993)

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Key Elements of Service-Learning

• Reciprocity (respect)
• Reflection
• Meaningful service
• Student voice
• Community voice

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To Remember

• I serve so that I may learn from you
• You accept my service so that you may teach me
• Tim Stanton
• Respect the people you serve, humble yourself
• Community is your classroom
• People you serve are your teachers

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Group Endeavours in Service-Learning (GESL)

• All student-teachers
• Groups of 20 to 25
• S-L project in the arts, sciences, culture,
  education, environment, health, sports, and other
  areas
• 20 hours minimum face-to-face contact with host
  organisation
• Completed within 1st year of study

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Examples of GESL Projects
The Singapore Wildlife Stampede
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Examples of GESL Projects
Chek Mates
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Examples of GESL Projects
Camp SWAT
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Feedback

• Entire experience is itself a reward
• Better prepared to face challenges
• Improved people and communication skills
• Able to make a difference
• Better able to work as a team
• Able to handle uncertainties better
• Greater appreciation of community

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Constraints

• Large group size
• Tight programme
• Diversity of group members profiles and
  experience
• Different degrees of exposure to community
• Action plan Capitalize on each others
• strengths and special talents!

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Communication

• pbWiki
• Email
• NIE Portal
• GESL website
• Group Secretarysomeone who is keen on using ICT
  for communication and who is efficient in passing
  on information

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Training of Group Facilitators

• Each GESL group will appoint 2 group members to
  attend Student Facilitator Training
• Training will be on the foundations of
  Service-Learning, project management, and on
  managing a group effectively
• Members trained will share their learning with
  their group and be the groups facilitators for
  the project

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Training Dates
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Schedule of Work

• First class Introduction to GESL Team-bonding
• Mid-Aug 09 Team should know each other well and
  have identified members strengths and
  identified roles
• September 09 Search for suitable projects by
  visiting websites of VWOs, NGOs other
  groups/organisations
• 22 Sep - 2 Oct 09 Proposal ready based on visits
  and meetings with partners, needs
  analysis, etc
• End Dec 09 Complete GESL Project
• 10 Feb 10 GESL Day (Show Tell to NIE
  community)
• 15 Feb 10 Complete GESL Project Presentation
  to Facilitator
• 22 Feb 7 May 10 Practicum
• May 10 GESL assessment to be completed by
  NIE Staff Facilitator

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Assessment

• Group
• Presentation to lecturer
• Presentation to NIE community
• a showcase of groups efforts service rendered
• presentation in various forms poster,
  multi-media presentation, performance, etc
• products materials produced such as brochures,
  booklet, etc
• Individual
• Everyone will receive a transcript

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Other Considerations

• Use of NIE Logo
• Letter of introduction FPO
• Final product to be produced for public check
  to make sure content will not compromise the
  repute of NIE in any way
• Check out websites of NGOs and VWOs with possible
  projects for GESL from pbWiki during second week
  of class

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Finance

• 100 per group claims to be made through staff
  facilitators keep receipts
• Young ChangeMakers Grant (YCM)
• Check out http//www.changemakers.youth.sg/content
  /view/22/ on how to apply for these funds
• GESL Mini-Olympics
• - 26 September 09

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First GESL Class

• First GESL class is crucial and will consist of
  team-bonding activities
• Facilitated by Camp High Achievers
• Please come dressed in comfortable attire in
  trousers and comfortable footwear as activities
  will require you to move around the room quickly!

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Online GESL Presentation

• An electronic version of the GESL presentation
  can be viewed at
• http//videoweb.nie.edu.sg/e-orientation/gesl/gesl
  .html

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Contact

• Min 67903269
• Jann 67903332
• Contact email gesl_at_nie.edu.sg