The CWI Model
"It made me look deeper into how and why Service-Learning can be meaningful in any classroom. I am already passionate about service and this will help me to support others, get specific support from administrators, and do a better job myself.”
Karen Shorr, Teacher
Brookwood School, Massachusetts
Introduction
We believe that both students and the educators are most deeply engaged when they are involved in learning experiences that enable them to apply skills and content knowledge to real needs in their community.
Place as the Context, Service-Learning as the Strategy,
Sustainable Communities as the Goal
The CWI Model
The CWI model can be applied across K-16 or community based settings, to any academic skill, content, or program area. The CWI model may be used for a single project, or as part of a long term program or campus wide focus on service and community engagement. We use a framework that sets one's local place as the context with service at the center of experience. The goal is to contribute to a sustainable and just community.
"I plan to incorporate this model into my teaching. I want to start now!"
Julie Pidgeon, 7/8 Language Arts & Social Studies
Folsom School
Our Core Principles
We have identified four core principles that we emphasize in our professional development and program design work. These core principles came out of our experience working with educators in the field over many years. Applying these principles help to set the stage for successful servicee-learning and long lasting academic and social development.
The work resonates strongly with educators and students personally and has a clearly understood value to the community.
Learning objectives are well defined, understood by all, and connected to standards, local curriculum and school or program goals.
Emphasis is placed upon investing students as real partners and collaborators in the experience.
The experience is intentionally deepened and learning is reinforced through multiple and creative forms of reflection.
"You do not have to carve out special time in the day to make service learning happen. It can become a part of your daily curriculum and routine. I left the Institute excited and energized to start the new school year.”
Tina Phelps, 7th Grade Science Teacher
St. Albans Town Educational Center
Curriculum projects and programs that use the CWI model incorporate a series of field tested best practices, at both the instructional and site level. New relationships and roles, along with partnerships with the local community are an important and inherent part of this process. Deepened collaborations among educators, students and community members are a result of learning to work together in new ways.
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