Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

This unique workbook puts students in control by providing guidance through the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating service-learning projects. Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: A Step-by-Step Guide directs university and high school students through an easy-to-follow five-step process for completing service-learning projects. Consistent with principles from student-centered learning and organizational development, this process begins with choosing a project and building a team and progresses to development, execution, and assessment—teaching students best practices they can replicate in subsequent projects, classes, and their future jobs.

Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation highlights the skills students will need for a project as well as strategies for preventing common problems and dealing constructively with difficulties. Students learn how to work as a team, present themselves as professionals, and master the challenges of a variety of service-learning projects.

Designed for learning and fun, Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation keeps students focused and positive. This all-in-one resource has the following features:

-A practical, customizable process that offers students unlimited creativity in project design and execution

-Group projects, activities, and worksheets to guide students through the planning process

-Tools, tips, and techniques that enable students to navigate the complexities of their projects

-Reflection activities, journal assignments, and student checklists to help establish and maintain progress

-Instructions for designing a needs assessment and evaluation survey

-Icebreakers and group activities that will help build group cohesiveness

In addition to the student resources, there is also an online teacher resource guide to assist teachers in supporting their students through each step in the process.

The result of the author's own experiences in conducting complex service-learning projects, Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation presents a practical and proven process that ensures both successful projects and student-centered service learning.

Connecting to their communities through service-learning projects teaches students invaluable hands-on lessons and creates new volunteer and community development opportunities. Service Learning for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: A Step-by-Step Guide empowers students to become an integral part of a service-learning experience where they can learn communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills while enjoying the unique personal power that comes from helping others.

Cheryl A. Stevens, PhD, is an associate professor at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. She has 20 years of experience in experiential education, organizational development, and teaching in the disciplines of recreation and leisure foundations, outdoor leadership, and environmental science. Stevens also worked as an organizational development specialist for the City of Anaheim, California.

As a committed experiential educator, Stevens has incorporated service learning as an essential element in many recreation courses. Her inspiration for the book came after instructing a course that involved a highly complex service-learning project. With the goals of student success and involvement in mind, Stevens combined her knowledge and experience in leadership, team building, and organizational development in designing the book's step-by-step process.

Stevens is a member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), where she currently serves as a member of the Council on Accreditation (COA). She is also a member of the Society of Park and Recreation Educators (SPRE), the Association for Experiential Education, and the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association (NCRPA).

A distinguished educator, Stevens has been repeatedly honored for her innovative teaching methods. In 2002, she received the University Award for Outstanding Teaching from East Carolina University. In 2003, Stevens received an Innovation in Teaching Award from the Society for Park and Recreation Educators and the UNC Board of Governors Distinguished Professor for Teaching Award from East Carolina University. She was also recipient of the College of Health and Human Performance Outstanding Teacher Award from East Carolina University in 2004.

Stevens resides in Washington, North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, gardening, and playing with her dogs.