The 8 Block Model for Designing & Implementing A Service Learning Project

Information derived from Ed Laine, Bowdoin College. This material is based on information originally written in the Service Learning in the Geosciences module. Additional information about this method was presented at the 2010 Service Learning workshop.

What is the 8-Block Model?

The 8-block model is a useful starting point for designing your service-learning project. The eight areas discussed in this model are shown below as a poster we will call an 8 block. You can create your own 8 block model outline and start filling in the blanks, or alternatively, download an editable 8 block diagram (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 11kB Jan29 10) to get started. Be prepared to create your model at least twice. As you begin to understand the connections between each block you are going to want to move ideas around or change them. It seems that no one is ever satisfied with their first attempt and also that some blocks are never confidently filled in the first time the exercise or project is used in class. That said, once you have invested in the 8 block process it becomes a visual guide for the implementing the service learning components of your course.

For more information on the 8-block model, visit the Service Learning program page which contains a Powerpoint and screencast of Ed Laine's presentation at the workshop.

Block 1 - Project Design

Regardless of the project you choose, it has to be consistent with the learning goals of your class and it has to be something that your students are going to be able to do. Answering some basic questions will get you started with project design.

Block 2 - Community Partner Relations

Working with a community partner on a problem that is important to them is very exciting for your class. Careful planning can keep this relationship running smoothly. Discussions and agreements ahead of time should explore several areas.

Block 3 - Building Community in the Classroom

Learning how to work effectively in a team is a vocational skill desired by our students. Many service learning exercises and projects lend themselves to teamwork. If your project includes group work, you should include a component of team building in your plan. Your classroom needs to be a safe place where students can take risks. If the project lasts more than several weeks, check in to monitor and sustain good teamwork. If your students are new to group work and service learning, it is important that you explain why and how the class will be different.

Block 4 - Building Student Capacity

To do successful work on their service learning project, students need to learn skills and concepts, the learning goals of your class. You need to decide how to teach these skills and concepts. Traditional methods can work well.

Block 5 - Problem Statement

The community partner needs to provide a one-page problem statement on letterhead. This may be jointly written before the semester begins.

Block 6 - Project Management

To keep the project running well you have to do lots of work behind the scenes. Much of this is just like you would do for lab or fieldwork.

Block 7 - Assessment of Learning

Assessment is important because it indicates whether or not the project has met your learning goals. Sometimes a quiz or test is appropriate and sometimes a poster or report is just the right tool.

Block 8 - Reflection and Connection

Learning done in a community context can be very energizing to your students. With help, they can make connections between the concepts and skills you want to teach and their community and how it functions. They can understand the exciting aspects of geoscience careers much more clearly. You need to take advantage of this through using any one of several reflection tools.

For more information on the 8-block model, visit the Service Learning program page which contains a Powerpoint and screencast of Ed Laine's presentation at the workshop.