In the Service of What?
The Politics of Service Learning
By Joseph Kahne and Joel Westheimer
“In addition to helping those they serve, such service learning activities seek to promote students' self-esteem, to develop higher-order thinking skills, to make use of multiple abilities, and to provide authentic learning experiences—all goals of current curriculum reform efforts.”
I agree with this quote. I think that service learning or even community service is beneficial for a student. But I believe that it works better when the student chooses what organization they will be helping. In this way they become more involved and will enjoy what they will be working to achieve.
“The distance between the one caring and the one cared for diminishes. Unfortunately, in many service activities, students view those they serve as clients rather than as a resource.”
I really liked this quote. No matter how hard we try to make a difference it is more beneficial when the one who is giving and caring interacts with those he or she is helping. This reminds me of that new show “Secret Millionaire.” That airs on ABC Sunday nights. The millionaires actually immerse themselves in towns that need help and interact with the citizens that live there. Later on they offer them money.
"In the service of what?" is a question that inevitably merits the attention of teachers, policy makers, and academicians who take seriously the idea that learning and service reinforce each other and should come together in America's schools.”
Again I agree with this quote. In order for there to be an accomplishment of any kind then there needs to be a gathering of minds. Many things cannot be achieved if everyone is fighting their own battles and fighting for what they believe is right. But when people collaborate and reach a unified decision it is easier to fight for it with many people on the same side.
I found this article to be straightforward. I agreed with a lot of what was said and I could relate to some of it. Especially since we are doing service learning now and I completed a project dealing with service learning during my sophomore year in high school.
I agree with everything you have to say above. I also included two of these quotes in my blog. I think that transitional service learning can really help you and the person you are caring for. It helps you build bonds with the person. Doing charity work is just as good but you do not get the opportunity to really bond with the person. For example you just go to a soup kitchen and serve soup. You are basically just serving the people and leaving. When you do transitional service learning you get to know the people you are helping on a personal level.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of these quotes; these projects help the person as well as yourself. They help you appreciate your life more as well as showing you to be more respective. They provide learning experiences that may better you in the long run. They also make you feel good because you are helping someone. I agree with Sara doing charity is good but it does not have as much contact as transitional service learning. I know if I get to know someone it makes what Im doing so much better and makes me want to help so much more because you are connected.
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