Kahne and Westheimer
Argument
Kahne and Westheimer argue that there are two different methods or approaches to service learning.
According to the Bandy, service learning is a form of community engagement that combines, "learning goals and community service in ways that can enhance both student growth and the common good." Typically, it includes a project or task in which a student must go out into the local community in order to complete it. This allows for students to learn from experience with others whilst benefiting the community in a positive way. Examples of this could range from something general like completing a fundraising project for an international organization
to something specific as conducting workshops in public schools to supplement learning techniques used by teachers. Specifically, Kahne and Westheimer explain that there are two different methods to service learning, both of which are outlined in two examples. The first of which transports us to a 12th grade classroom lead by Mr. Johnson. This service learning project allowed students to choose their own location and project, but required them to interact with less fortunate then themselves. This would provide them with the experience of, "excitement and joy while using the community as a classroom. The second example of service learning was headed by a seventh-grade teacher and included the classroom voting on a project identified as a common concern. They spent a unit examining the social, economic, legal, and political aspects of the issue and they invited speakers knowledgeable in the area to their classroom to help inform them of all of its aspects and characteristics. With all this information, the class them decides a procedure that they will proceed to introduce into the community to provide relief.
Comment/Points to Share
There is a big difference in the approaches outlined by Kahne and Westheimer. The first develops a relief effort based off of what is learned that is need by first-person experiences with those in need whilst the other approach has a more academically-based outlook with no first-person experience. I can't help but wonder if anything is really accomplished by the service learning project if the students aren't required to be involved in the community and developing actual relationships with those in need.
Kahne and Westheimer argue that there are two different methods or approaches to service learning. According to the Bandy, service learning is a form of community engagement that combines, "learning goals and community service in ways that can enhance both student growth and the common good." Typically, it includes a project or task in which a student must go out into the local community in order to complete it. This allows for students to learn from experience with others whilst benefiting the community in a positive way. Examples of this could range from something general like completing a fundraising project for an international organization
to something specific as conducting workshops in public schools to supplement learning techniques used by teachers. Specifically, Kahne and Westheimer explain that there are two different methods to service learning, both of which are outlined in two examples. The first of which transports us to a 12th grade classroom lead by Mr. Johnson. This service learning project allowed students to choose their own location and project, but required them to interact with less fortunate then themselves. This would provide them with the experience of, "excitement and joy while using the community as a classroom. The second example of service learning was headed by a seventh-grade teacher and included the classroom voting on a project identified as a common concern. They spent a unit examining the social, economic, legal, and political aspects of the issue and they invited speakers knowledgeable in the area to their classroom to help inform them of all of its aspects and characteristics. With all this information, the class them decides a procedure that they will proceed to introduce into the community to provide relief.
There is a big difference in the approaches outlined by Kahne and Westheimer. The first develops a relief effort based off of what is learned that is need by first-person experiences with those in need whilst the other approach has a more academically-based outlook with no first-person experience. I can't help but wonder if anything is really accomplished by the service learning project if the students aren't required to be involved in the community and developing actual relationships with those in need.
I agree with you about the 7th grade classroom where they did not get the personal experiences from helping individual people, so the topic would not give each student a significant impact. I think both approaches should be combined so students can get the full experience while also creating change at the same time. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWith my personal experience I mix both. However, I prefer a more one on one type of interaction. I mentioned an instance of this in my blog. I like branching off to help students who need it most.
DeleteI agree with what Josh has said but I agree also that I tend to mixx both ideas at times. Although I like interaction and hands on better because it really gives the students a feel of what it is actually like.
DeleteJosh, I agree with your closing statement where you said "I can't help but wonder if anything is really accomplished by the service learning project if the students aren't require to be involved in the community and developing actual relationships with those in need."
ReplyDelete