Which practice encourages students to take ownership of their learning and develop empathy?

Service learning stands out as a practice that effectively encourages students to take ownership of their learning while fostering empathy. This approach integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection, allowing students to apply academic skills to real-world challenges. By engaging in projects that address community needs, students not only deepen their understanding of the content but also develop a sense of responsibility and agency in their learning process.

Through service learning, students often encounter diverse perspectives and situations that broaden their understanding of social issues, enhancing their ability to empathize with others. This experiential learning process helps to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application, making learning more relevant and impactful.

In contrast, project-based learning, while also valuable for ownership, may not always include a focus on community needs or empathy-building. The flipped classroom emphasizes independent study and reinforcement of concepts, which primarily enhances understanding but may not involve the same level of community engagement. Direct instruction, being more teacher-centered, often limits student agency and does not inherently promote the development of empathy or personal investment in their learning.