P-16+ Service Learning

Service Learning in Illinois

Involvement from All Ages

The newspapers are full of stories about the benefits of older adults in the classroom P-16. They mentor, read with children, talk about their work experiences, and become learners as the students teach them computer skills. On Veterans Day the schools welcome retirees to make the history of WWI and WWII come alive.

In Illinois roughly 65% of service-learning programs involve older adults. Retirees are an untapped resource for education, and service learning is a natural way of linking generations. It often just happens without planning because many students find the older population fascinating and available (Angelis, 1999b, p. 22-23). In a recent study conducted by LifeLong (a coalition of older learners in community colleges and universities) only 49% said they volunteer (2-5 hours per week), but many others said they would get involved if asked.

The Role of the State

In a growing number of states, service learning is viewed as an important part of the master plan for education. These states believe that the student who has opportunities for meaningful service becomes a better-prepared citizen who contributes to the common good of the state. States are linking service learning to standards, workforce preparation, and quality teaching and learning (Kinsley and McPherson, 1995; Lubbert and Wholeben, 1999; Totten and Pedersen, 1997; and Wade, 1996)

North Carolina, for example, has developed a comprehensive plan for service learning called Communities Building Communities. They found that when the bonds between family, school, and community are strong, the young person is less likely to do anything that would weaken them.

What is the role of the state and statewide educational organizations? Their role can be seen as convener: bringing together those who can make service learning work. "The state has a pulpit to create an awareness of the benefits of service learning and, working in partnership with many organizations, can instigate the training, support, and other collaboration that must be in place for service learning efforts to succeed" (Antonelli and Thompson, 1996, 172).