All of our featured projects
are added to our growing collection of service-learning project
ideas.
Apply to have your project featured next, and win
$200!
|
Our service-learning project informed Harford County voters, especially
younger voters, about the 2002 election's local candidates. To accomplish
this goal, the students created a website to hold two candidates'
forums, one for local candidates and one for federal and state candidates.
Best Practice 1: What recognized community need was met by your project?
We wanted to educate the voters, both young and older. During the 1998
state election, there was no readily available information in our area about
all the candidates running for federal, state, and local offices. Voters
need accurate information in order to make their decisions, and to motivate
them to vote. Our project helped all the registered and potential voters in
Harford County, and all the students in Harford County Public School.
Best Practice 2: How was the project connected to the school curriculum
and curricular objectives?
The service-learning project tied very intentionally and closely to the core
learning goals in ninth grade government and eleventh grade US History
classes.
Best Practice 3: How did participants reflect on their experiences
throughout the project?
Students evaluated the project before we decided to do it. They made
adjustments and corrections to the project as it took form. Most
importantly, at the conclusion of the project, students assessed their
effectiveness and made suggestions for the next website and candidate's
night for 2006.
Best Practice 4: How did students take leadership roles and take
responsibility for the success of the project?
Students were involved during the entire process. They took responsibility
for writing the questions for the questionnaire used to
create the website and wrote questions and helped to write the script for
the candidate's nights. On the evenings of the candidates' nights, students
acted as hosts and hostesses, questioners, timers, and as the master of
ceremonies.
Best Practice 5: What community partners were worked with on this project?
Students worked with local and state government leaders, and potential
leaders. Through this process, many students developed a rapport with the
candidates elected to public office. They certainly will feel more
comfortable contacting these office holders in the future as a result of the
work that they did on this project.
Best Practice 6: How did you prepare and plan ahead for the project?
Work on this project actually began with the completion of our last
candidate's night in October of 1998. At that time, students suggested that
we increase the number of candidate's nights and that we change to a website
rather than printed flyers. Question making began in earnest in the spring
of 2002 with the graduating seniors of 2002.
Best Practice 7: What knowledge and skills did students develop through
this project?
All students improved their questioning skills and writings skills, and some
improved their public speaking skills. Students learned about the powers
and duties of the various state and local officials who were running for
office. Most importantly, students learned that anyone can participate in
politics and that everyone should vote.
|
