Table of Contents
Overview of Service as Action (SAA)
Service as Action (SA) is a fundamental component of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Tesla Education. It emphasizes the importance of community service and encourages students to take meaningful action to address local and global issues. Through SA, students develop a deeper understanding of their role as global citizens and the impact they can have on their communities.
Objectives of Service as Action
The primary objectives of SA are to:
- Develop awareness: Help students become aware of the needs and challenges within their communities and the wider world.
- Encourage empathy: Foster empathy and compassion by engaging students in activities that benefit others.
- Promote responsibility: Encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and understand the ethical implications of their decisions.
- Enhance skills: Develop a range of skills, including collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, through practical service activities.
- Foster international-mindedness: Promote intercultural understanding and respect by engaging students in projects that address global issues.
Implementation of Service as Action
At Tesla, SAA is integrated into the curriculum and is a requirement for all MYP students. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to choose activities that align with their interests and passions. SA activities can be undertaken individually or in groups and can take place within the school, local community, or even internationally.
Types of Service Activities
SA activities are diverse and can include:
- Direct service: Engaging directly with individuals or communities in need, such as volunteering at a local shelter or tutoring younger students.
- Indirect service: Working on projects that benefit the community indirectly, such as organizing a fundraising event or creating awareness campaigns.
- Advocacy: Raising awareness about important issues and advocating for change, such as participating in environmental campaigns or human rights initiatives.
- Research: Conducting research to understand community needs and develop solutions, such as studying the impact of pollution on local ecosystems.
Reflection and documentation
Reflection is a crucial part of the SA process. Students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, considering what they have learned, how they have grown, and the impact of their actions. Reflection helps students to make connections between their service activities and the broader curriculum, deepening their understanding of the issues they are addressing.
Students document their SA activities and reflections using ManageBac, the school’s online learning management system. This documentation includes:
- Description of activities: A detailed account of the service activities undertaken.
- Reflection entries: Personal reflections on the experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
- Evidence of participation: Photos, videos, or other artifacts that demonstrate involvement in the activities.
Examples of Service as Action projects
To illustrate the variety of SA projects, here are some examples of activities that students at Tesla Education might engage in:
- Environmental conservation: Organizing a community clean-up event or creating a recycling program at school.
- Social justice: Participating in campaigns to raise awareness about human rights issues or supporting local NGOs.
- Health and well-being: Volunteering at a local hospital or organizing wellness workshops for peers.
- Education and literacy: Tutoring younger students or creating educational resources for underprivileged communities.
By participating in SA, students at Tesla develop a sense of agency and responsibility, understanding that they have the power to make a positive difference in the world.
