"In The Service of What?"
By: Joseph Kahne
Reflection
The main idea of this piece was to discuss the different ways that service learning affects both parties involved. For instance, in the beginning of the article the authors give examples of two different classrooms that participated in service learning projects. Mr. Johnson's class each individually went and worked on different projects. In contrast, Ms. Adam's class worked as a whole to raise money and help a specific group of people. The rest of the article discussed how these experiences are so different but also very much alike. When reading I found myself finding benefits in each type of help. The students in Mr. Johnson's class I think they really benefitted from the experience. This type of work helps students explore different types of careers and experience all different life styles; while also helping out those in need. Ms. Adam's class however I think is creating more of a difference towards those who need help. Her class raised money and created different advertisements to help two homeless shelters. By coming together I think the class makes a greater difference in the lives of others. This brought me back to the initial question of "in the service of what?" Are people participating in service learning because they feel they have a sense of duty or are they doing it for the greater good for those in need.
When more and more people come together to work towards a cause, a greater impact can be made. For example, the Gloria Gemma Foundation is very well known for their work towards breast cancer. |
I think the service learning that we do in class is mostly for our sake. We definitely do think that we are making a difference in the classroom in both helping the teachers and the students; however I think there is a level of experience that is most valued when we go. Much like Mr. Johnson's class we are learning about different ways of living as well as making a difference while we're there. Reading this made me think of Kristof's article about Rick Goff. Maybe if he had to opportunity to go out and help others, or have others come into the school to support him, he may have had a better school experience.
I think that service learning can benefit everyone. I know that the students in my classroom love having me come in and hep them and when they raise their hand for a question, they always want me to help them and not their actual teacher. It is a great bond between myself and the students and is a great experience for us all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point that we all believe that service learning is beneficial for the teachers and students as well as for us. I also think its true that is relates to Kristof and that if he had the chance or opportunity to help others or have others help in something like a service learning project he may have had a better school experience. I really enjoyed your reflection!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your reflection post. I agree with your points and how service learning should and does benefit everyone. I liked how you show the connection to Kristof's article because I didn't see it until reading your blog. I do agree with the connection and if Rick Goff had people come into his class and made it so he enjoyed the time he spent there, he could of got more from school than he actually did. I also used your post as the center of my post for this week.
ReplyDeleteI agree that each type of service learning can help in different ways. I also agree with what you said about the experience that we gain when going to these places.
ReplyDeleteKate, great job talking about Service Learning. It is a experience that makes a difference in how one views certain things. I agree with your point about how it helps students find different careers and foresee into the different lifestyles they may want to have. You make a good point about opportunities and that's what it all depends on. Making opportunities can better the overall outcome and have an impact on how successful one is during Service Learning opportunities.
ReplyDeleteKate, I really like the way that you acknowledged the benefits of each of the classes approaches. After reading the article I didn't really take the time to think about how each are approach is very different but in the end are so alike. I also enjoyed how you shared your personal opinion on which approach was more beneficial. I agree that Mr. Johnson's class was especially benefitted. P.s. I know I'm very late with my commenting, sorry! :)
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