“The approach to service learning taken by Mr. Johnson stresses charity and the ways in which participating in service and reflection can develop students' sense of altruism… Ms. Adams' students, by contrast, began their work with a systematic and critical analysis of the causes of homelessness and of the strategies employed to prevent it.” It was interesting to hear the contrasts between the outcomes of each service learning project. If I were to do a service learning project with my future students then I would definitely choose a combination of the two approaches. Depending on the age of students I would have them analyze the cause and strategies but I would also allow them to choose to complete their service learning with something they are passionate about, rather than something I alone am passionate about.
“Students tutor, coach softball, paint playgrounds, and read to the elderly because they are interested in people or because they want to learn a little about poverty and racism before they head out into the waiting corporate world . . . . We do not volunteer "to make a statement," or to use the people we work with to protest something. We try to see the homeless man, the hungry child, and the dying woman as the people they are, not the means to some political end.” I agree with this statement much more than the others. William T. Grant foundation has a much more positive outlook on things. It isn’t about politics it’s about the people.
I definitely question the difference between charity and change. In table one it states that “charity is giving, part of a civic duty, and intellectually has an effect of an additive experience. Whereas change states it is caring, part of social reconstruction and the effect is a transformative experience.” However I still have trouble differentiating between the two… I see charity as part of change. Giving is caring. Everyone needs to be involved in civic duty in order to reach a level of social reconstruction. Lastly, what may start as an additive experience can turn into a transformative experience and really have an everlasting effect on one’s life.
I see what you are saying. I think charity is somewat apart of change, but it has to be more than that. Things are not going to change if people don't care about or want to help out. They are going to have a negative attitude and just do it because they have to do it. It is much more rewarding if teens care and not just give chariy.
ReplyDeleteI agree people need to have a positive attitude in order to make a difference
ReplyDeleteI also see congruity between charity and change but I also can see why some people just do charity work to look good and to not feel guilty about being privileged but then it just stops at that rather than the person recognizing social differences and what needs to be put in place for change. I also like that you said 'giving is caring' so that is at least a tiny step!
ReplyDeleteI think the best thing we could do in school pertaining to social learning is to increase awareness and how to help, but not necessarily require service. I feel like students don't like requirements- making it appealing and 'just for fun' might encourage it even more.
ReplyDeleteChildren cant learn everything in a classroom. I mean half of my high school career was asking about what importance the work I did would have when I got out into the real world. lol
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