1.2 - Defining "Student Driven"

Objective

The learner will classify the concept of "student driven" by writing a definition in his or her own words.

Activity

Below, you will find information related to the concept of "student driven".

As you read, make note of key words and important information in your Learning Journal. Title this entry Student Driven Notes.

Adapted from "Youth Voice: A Guide for Engaging Youth in Leadership and Decision-Making in Service-Learning Programs"

• The concept of student driven includes several related concepts:

• Student Ownership: Students should feel that they are making important contributions to both their school and to their communities.

• Student Decision Makers: Students should be involved at every level of decision making.

• Youth Voice: Including students in the creation and planning of projects in a meaningful way. This includes respecting young people and taking the ideas of young people seriously.

• In order to be student driven, students need to be the central part of the process. This means that students are identifying problems, brainstorming ideas, trying out their own solutions, and then evaluating the outcomes.

• In a student driven project, the teacher/adult steps aside and facilitates or guides the process. The teacher/adult needs to truly listen to the student voices and be willing to learn from them.

Assignment

Part 1: In your learning journal, write a definition of "student driven" in your own words. Title this entry My Student Driven Definition.

Part 2: Post your definition on the Discussion page for the Unit 1.2 page.

Part 3: Comment on the definitions posted by at least two other students, noting whether you agree or disagree with their definition and why.

Move on to 1.3 - Student Driven Community Service

Back to Unit 1: Defining Student Driven Community Service

References

Justinianno, J., & Scherer, C. (2001). Youth Voice: A Guide for Engaging Youth in Leadership and Decision-Making in Service-Learning Programs. Points of Light Foundation.

Service-Learning Strategies: Idaho's Practical Guide to Service-Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2012, from Idaho State Department of Education: http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/learn_serve/docs/Service-learning%20strategies.pdf