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| The cast of Glee performing "Don't Stop Believing" |
I wouldn’t be surprised if each person who reads this blog knows someone who is a gleek, a huge fan of the TV musical show Glee. Until a few weeks ago, I had never watched an episode, but I decided to watch because I was curious
p; What was it about this show that not only captured so many people’s attention so quickly, but has also been able to sustain so many people’s interest?After watching four episodes, here’s my analysis: the show captures your attention in the same way that Semester of Service can engage your students.
To engage students in school, Semester of Service focuses on three strategies:
To create a cohesive Semester of Service, Glee-style, let’s think about each musical scene or performance as a part of the service-learning IPARD/C model (Investigation, Preparation and Planning, Action, Reflection and/or Demonstration/Celebration activities) and each episode as a semester.
Link to Curriculum: In each episode of Glee, the musical scenes and performances reinforce, enhance and advance the plot in the same way that service activities should reinforce, enhance and advance knowledge gained in the classroom. Through service-learning, the service activities are continually linked to learning goals. Critics and fans have actually criticized Glee when the musical scenes seem too far-fetched, unnecessary or tangential to the plot. When performances were not relevant, fans asked, “Why did they choose that song? What was the point of that performance?” In the same way, you and your students should always make sure that the service efforts are advancing your progress towards meeting learning goals.
Duration and Intensity: The musical scenes and performances of each episode are interwoven throughout the entire episode. Rather than being crammed into one section of the show, the performances are well-paced from beginning to end, and they are frequent (typically five songs per episode). Your Semester of Service efforts should be structured the same way – frequent activities throughout the duration of the semester to ensure sustained engagement.
In Glee, some of the songs are performed in the choir room while others are grand productions. The same level of variety applies to your service efforts – if your students are doing a watershed restoration project, the students can go to the local watershed to take water samples, but they can also write letters about water quality and pollution for the school or local newspaper to raise awareness. The variety of activities makes it easier to increase intensity of the service efforts and work on the project continually throughout the semester.
Meaningful Service: Each episode addresses an issue that is relevant and meaningful to youth, such as bullying, and the show addresses the issues in an accessible way. The episodes also utilize and feature a variety of youth talent. A high-quality Semester of Service will do the same; it is an opportunity for students to use their interests, skills and talents to address an issue that is of importance to them. Through sustained service-learning, ideas and concepts learned in the classroom become accessible and real. Students receive recognition for their accomplishments and the impact they make on their community.
And last, but certainly not least, Glee and Semester of Service are fun and enjoyed by adults and youth alike!
Here’s wishing you a Glee-ful Semester of Service!
You can start to plan your Semester of Service now with the updated 2011 Semester of Service Strategy Guide!
Photo courtesy of UsMagazine.com
