Service learning at ISB fuels global citizenship

(Newswire.net — June 20, 2018) Shunyi District, Beijing —

 

If respect, integrity, and global-mindedness are muscles to be developed within an individual, ample service learning opportunities provide the rigorous exercise routine in which to do so.

Service learning at the International School of Beijing (ISB) does just this. These initiatives provide students with a way to put the lessons and values taught in the classroom into practice in the real world, gaining hands-on experience, internalizing the school’s core philosophies.

“ISB has identified core values that it promotes amongst the staff and student body,” says Angela Fournier, a service learning coordinator in the high school division at ISB. “These include respect, integrity, balance, service, and global mindedness. Each of these is at the heart of service learning.

“When the ISB community engages in service learning, they are engaging in these core values. More than anything, it’s when kids are actually doing work in the community that they come to internalize those values and begin to appreciate the benefits and growth it brings them as well as others.”

Service learning is one part of ISB’s approach to learning. The school’s 21^st century learning model, known as L21, presents a comprehensive framework that incorporates academic excellence as well as social and emotional learning, experiential learning, and integrated learning.

All of these pieces fit within a larger circle of the school’s values and philosophies that include global thinking, critical thinking, leadership and responsibility, communication and collaboration, and innovation and creativity.

The concept of service learning is introduced early in a child’s educational journey at ISB and continues to be integrated throughout their time at the school. ISB invites guest speakers to share their own experiences with the students in all divisions in an effort to spark interest and encourage students to get involved.

“One of my favourites was Yao Ming,” says Fournier of the former basketball star.. “While service wasn’t his primary focus for visiting the school, it was his message about giving your time that stuck with me—and I hope with students as well.”

For the most part, students are able to choose their service learning activity, from personal projects to joining existing groups.

“Students develop and fine–tune a whole range of skills such as planning, communication, and time management,” says Fournier. “Additionally, they build confidence, fuel their passions and, in the best of cases, inspire others to do the same.”

A Roots & Shoots program in the elementary division develops an environmental consciousness within young learners; while Habitat for Humanity and Smile Week—a fundraising initiative for surgeries for babies with cleft palates—allow middle school students to build upon the skills they’re introduced to in the elementary division.

In particular, during Smile Week, students are visited by the babies in need and interact with them on a one-on-one basis to get to know the families they’re helping.

Once in high school, students delve deeper, moving outside of the ISB community and working within the local community. At this level, the senior students are involved in many different aspects of service learning, from direct service to advocacy, awareness, and providing financial support.

Some of the more senior–level initiatives include volunteering at a local orphanage or delivering environmental awareness programs to schools in southern China.

“Service learning helps develop reciprocal relationships that promote understanding, cooperation and collaboration,” says Fournier. “It provides an avenue for students and the community to develop long-term, sustainable relationships built on trust and mutual growth.

“When engaged sincerely, the benefits are huge for all involved. Ties within the community are strengthened and bonds are formed. I think it solidifies a larger sense of community and helps bridge gaps between groups.”