IGESL Training & Workshops

The Institute for Global Education & Service Learning (IGESL) offers a variety of trainings to individuals and organizations who are interested in establishing, improving, or expanding a service learning initiative.

Training is available to teachers, youth, administrators, community based organizations, school districts, and National Service Programs. IGESL uses interactive methods to demonstrate the implementation of service-learning programs in a variety of settings. These brain-based activities support and strengthen teacher implementation and student achievement. Trainings can be presented over the course of several days and in full or half-day formats. We are also available to make presentations to staff, parents, community groups, school boards etc. We can work with you to develop customized training or presentation to meet your school or organization's needs.

General Workshops

Introduction to Service Learning - Presents the basic elements and principles of effective service learning and how to implement a successful service learning initiative. The differences between service learning and community service are clearly identified. The role of youth voice, curricular integration, reflection and more are demonstrated. Workshops for adults, youth, or both are available.

Advanced Service Learning – For those who have already had a basic introduction to the elements of service learning this training involves more in depth exploration of connecting service to the curriculum and creating authentic assessment tools for service learning. An overview of service learning as a youth prevention strategy is also provided.

Reflection - Processing or reconstructing the service experience makes the connection to learning. Effective reflection occurs throughout the service-learning process and spans a variety of learning styles. In addition to exploring the theory and rationale of reflection, this workshop illustrates various forms of reflection and the learning outcomes derived from the experience. It will move service learning practitioners beyond the current common reflective practices used in the field.

Evaluation - Trains teachers in ways to investigate the impact of service learning on students, communities, and schools. Explores a variety of assessment methods currently in use and provides step-by-step guidance in planning for program evaluation. Strategies to foster student-initiated evaluation are also shared.

Thematic Workshops

Promoting Positive Youth Development through Service Learning - As advocates for service in our communities, it is important to understand how experiences like service learning can respond to the factors associated with positive youth development and promote the protective factors cited in youth development research as necessary for healthy, successful futures. The concepts of resiliency and asset development in relation to service learning are be examined. Examples of real service learning projects are used to illustrate the positive benefits to youth. Strategies for promoting positive youth development in the school and community are shared.

Youth Leadership - Developing youth leaders means more than having them make signs or plan dances! The IGESL offers two trainings in youth leadership one for youth (Y) and for adults who work with youth (A).

Y – An interactive session for youth explores the qualities and traits of leaders. Examination of principles of effective leadership and group dynamics helps youth to identify their own strengths and leadership style. Strategies for demonstrating leadership through youth led service learning projects are also provided.
A - An interactive session for adults explores how and why they should promote youth leadership through service learning. Understanding the need for choice, relevance, and engagement to increase youth voice and ownership in service learning helps teachers and other adults in planning meaningful learning experiences for youth.

Service Learning Dropout Prevention - Every 29 seconds a student in America gives up on school, that means more than one million students are dropping out of high school every year. Many youth, who remain in schools across the country, are still at risk and unlikely to graduate on schedule with both the skills and the self-esteem necessary to exercise meaningful options in the areas of work, leisure, culture, civic affairs, and inter/intrapersonal relationships. Service learning is a teaching strategy that can help! Recognized by the National Dropout Prevention Center as one of 15 Effective Strategies, The factors associated with dropouts and how service learning responds to them is explored.

Promoting Active Citizenship - Demonstrates how service learning promotes young people as community resources and as problem solvers to promote civic education and an understanding of the democratic process. Strategies provided develop the skills students require to investigate and evaluate the needs of their community, identify areas for action, and establish partnerships, while they design and implement service learning projects.

Character Education - The connection between service and character is a natural one. Service learning has been recognized as an effective way to develop citizenship, responsibility, and many other positive character virtues, making it possibly the most powerful character education program you can implement. This workshop focuses on how to successfully put character education into action through service learning.

Understanding Brain-Based Learning – Service learning is one of the best strategies for incorporating what we know about how the brain learns. This workshop explores the basics of brain-based learning including what our brains need, how they make meaning, and strategies for making learning memorable!

Sustaining Your Service Learning Initiative – The responsibility for sustaining service-learning programs does not lie with one individual. All stakeholders: students, teachers, parents, and the community are crucial to ensuring service learning develops from a “great project” to an effective, long-lasting instructional methodology. This workshop assists schools and districts in elements critical to sustaining and enhancing an effective service program.

Literacy - Read & Lead - Provides a model for establishing a successful cross-age literacy and leadership service-learning program. Includes the philosophical base, educational impact, administrative mechanics, and training of students, teachers, and community partners. Hands-on interactive methods are provided for promoting readers and leaders

Intergenerational - Offers strategies for initiating student-senior partnerships. Workshop includes age awareness and sensitivity exercises for all ages. A variety of intergenerational projects are highlighted with particular emphasis on researching and writing the oral history of a community or group.

Service Learning & No Child left Behind (NCLB) - The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) provides federal funding for many educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth and families, migrant students, English language learners, and other targeted populations. Linking NCLB and service learning experiences can help increase student’s academic performance and their sense of community..

School and Community Safety through Service Learning – The service learning process is used as a means for examining and addressing the prevention, preparedness, and response strategies in place for families, schools, and communities. Connecting school and community safety issues to the curriculum make them more relevant and meaningful for students.

For information about Contracted Services, click here.