By: Joseph Kahne and Joel Westhiemer
Argument:
The author argues that service learning projects are most often primarily based on charity but lack the opportunity for students to make caring relationships. In most cases the service learning project gives but does not promote ideas of how to change things for improvement. Educators require the act of giving but often forget to have their students observe the environment in which they are giving back to. If the students do not observe the environment or make caring relationships are they not just learning that there is a status quo?
Link:
--> https://www.estrellamountain.edu/students/service-learning/service-learning-ideas
This website gives different ideas for service learning projects and could be useful for those looking at different service learning projects.
Talking Points:
- Would a service learning project be worth it without the critical analysis portion?
- I wonder if there has ever been a service learning project that developed real change in the world.
i think you hit the nail on the head with this one. Environmental observation is key in a child's life and having these service learning projects helps them to interact in the environment. getting them out there will teach them so many new ways to do things and how things can possibly go wrong without proper preparation.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I think it's very important to keep in mind while volunteering or attending a service learning project that creating relationships with people is key. In addition to learning about the environment, volunteers should also actively think of ways to promote improvement. For an example, our service learning project. It's not just about going into a school for an hour and a half, helping out and leaving and I think that the journals we have to do really helps us remember to take a step back and observe everything around us.
ReplyDeleteGreat argument. I agree 100% with the fact that a service learning project should be based off of both charity and critical analysis. There are too many times where young students werent brought out into the world and shown the proper way to behave or create relationships with other people. The Estrella Mountain link that you attached fits perfectly with your blog argument since it shows many ways that we can produce a great service learning project.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you've said here. Service learning needs to include charity work as well as critical analysis in order to be a successful learning tool. I also loved the link you included that lists a number of different service learning projects.
ReplyDeleteI think you had a great post! I agree that service learning should be a combination of service and analysis otherwise you wouldn't reflect back on the work your doing.
ReplyDelete