In the Service of What? The Politics of Service Learning

1." Service learning activites seek to promote students' self- esteem, to develop higher- order thinking skills, to make use of multiple abilities, and to provide authentic learning experiences-m all goals of current curriculum reform efforts."

I have noticed that throughout the years going into different schools I am less nervous. I have learned what to say when I get to the school and how to introduce myself without shuddering. I am also more involved in the classroom because I know what I am expected to do. I think that service learning benefits students for starting future jobs.


2." the requirement that all schools take part in volunteer activities in either their school or community as a condition from graduation from high school."

In my high school we were required to complete hours in the community in order to graduate. The high school I went to had a Senior project, we were one of the first schools to do this project and now many school are doing it. After working on this project all year different people from from the community and other schools came to "judge" us. The school closed for underclassman and each classroom had 4 or 5 judges, and 5 or so students. My brother is a Senior this year and is working on his senior project, he choose business management. I enjoyed the senior project and I learned a lot from it.


3."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."

I did my first service learning in High School. It was called the Senior Project. We need pass this year long project to pass high school. We could pick anything we wanted to learn about and find a mentor. I chose home daycare. I really like the service learning because the more schools you go into the less nervous you are each time. I also like going into different schools and see what each has to offer. Each teacher had their own style of teaching and with service learning we get to see the different styles.

I liked this article it was an easy read and informative. I think that the community service should be in all schools. Giving back to the community is important and fun. If you really get involved not just staying on the "surface" you can really learn a lot. My first service learning was in high school and it continued when I was at CCRI. For many classes I had to go an observe in a day care. I always got to choose where I wanted to go. This was the first time that I was placed somewhere. I like being out of my comfort zone and working with students that are not as "privileged" as others. I am not a fan of the principal and some teachers at my current service learning but with the help of my teachers and classmate I will be able to learn how to deal, and solve problems.