In the Service of What?
The Politics of Service Learning
Joseph Kahne and Joel Westheimer
Authors' Argument: Kahne and Westheimer argue that it is important that students participate in a Service Learning Program because it is a way to help and give back to their community. At the same time Service Learning projects promote students' self-esteem.
Quotes:
1. "In contrast, much of the current discussion regarding service learning emphasizes charity, not change.”
I am confused. I don’t understand this quote. Isn’t giving or helping part of changing someone’s live.
2. "After they returned, the students' perspectives on these elementary school children had changed. They were "surprised at the children's responsiveness and their attentiveness," they found the children to be "extremely polite and surprisingly friendly," and they discovered that they "listened well and had excellent behavior." One student wrote, "Everyone at the school had good manners, and I think more highly of the neighborhood now."
I think that this quote is very important because after the students visited the school in a poor neighborhood they changed their way of thinking. They realized that poor people also have good manners and that they can be friendly. Besides helping others, I believe that Service Learning projects can change the way students think about others. If they wouldn’t done that service learning activity their misconception about that school and their students was going to be the same or even worst.
3. "Effort to integrate service learning activities into the curriculum has great potential and deserves the support they are now receiving."
I agree with this quote. I think that it is very important that service learning projects become part of the curriculum. I think that it is a great opportunity to learn and help those in need.
Comments/Point to share: I think that this article was very interesting. I think that Service Learning is a great idea and it should be part of the school’s curriculum. It is an excellent opportunity for students to give back to their community. I am so glad that one of the requirements for FNED 346 is the SLP. I believe that everyone should be encouraged to do it.
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2 comments:
"In contrast, much of the current discussion regarding service learning emphasizes charity, not change.”I am confused. I don’t understand this quote. Isn’t giving or helping part of changing someone’s live.
I understand how you can be confused about the two, however what I think they are saying is that by seeing service learning as an opportunity to better and change the lives of others will have a positive and more rewarding experience rather than if it was seen as an obligation or charity. A charity is more about being there, giving some of your time but if we see it as a change we can try to keep changing instead of just using the bandaid option. There saying that charity is not the full solution.
Thanks Crystal
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