Timeline

How long is the suggested timeframe from a sustained inquiry?

Students are expected to spend 15 hours on the community project. This includes research, working on their process journal, creating an action plan, meeting with their supervisor and presenting.

Coordinators need to carefully consider the workload of students in order to practice balance.

PHASE 1: Introduction Ideas

• Introduce the community project to teachers/supervisors, parents, and students. Parents especially appreciate Q&A coffee or an evening video conference sessions.

• Hold a community project introduction fair, scavenger hunt, or brainstorming sessions. Make it fun. If students do not feel passionate about their idea, it will be difficult to sustain.

• Teach about the process journal and the importance of maintaining it during each step of the way.

• Consider the types of service as action.

PHASE 2: Investigating

• Research needs of local and global communities to narrow down ideas.

• Enlist your school librarian and any community or public libraries to support in selecting relevant resources.

• Use research to define a clear goal.

• Identify prior learning.

• Record research and all developments in the Process Journal

• Meet supervisor.

PHASE 3: Planning

• Develop a proposal for action. Consider having students 'pitch' their ideas for feedback from their peers in small groups. Some schools even have students present their ideas to a panel of teachers or community members.

• Continue research to create the action plan for the service.

• Record all information and developments in the process journal.

• Check in with supervisor.

PHASE 4: Taking Action

• Carry out each step of the service as action plan.

• Record developments in the Process Journal. Include photos of the action if possible.

• Check in with supervisor.

Students can use editing software or apps to blur faces or place emojis over faces in photos to ensure anonymity if needed.

PHASE 5: Reflecting & Presenting

• Evaluate the quality of the service against the original proposal.

• Reflect on learning and understanding of approaches to learning skills, learner profile traits, and development of understanding of service

• Prepare and complete presentation

Presenting in front of a panel is not required, but a great experience for students. Teachers, parents, and community members can all participate. To support students, have them practice in small groups among peers.

• Complete the bibliography and academic honesty form.

• Celebrate taking action to make the world a better place!