Service Learning Project Reflection

In the assigned article entitled “Why Service Learning” by Bruce W. Speck, it provides great insight as to why we need to engage in service learning. This article focused on the questions that were like the reasoning behind service learning and how does it benefit the student. One definition in the article that stood out to me was service learning being defined as a pedagogy that fosters the development of skills and knowledge needed for participation in public life. This was prevalent because it allows the student to network with others outside of the community while giving back. Service learning was created to get away from the traditional way of learning while implementing a new learning system.

Working with kids and their tutor was awesome. Some of the kids were willing to do their homework. They were alert and ready to do the work given to them by their teacher. Also, their teachers were so happy to see us. My relationship with them was cordial, although, some kids preferred not to carry out the assignment given to them. During the project, I interacted with the director and one of the staffs. They told me the possible challenges I might face while tutoring the kids. They are: some might not want to do their work and but they encourage us to try to motivate the kids in doing their tasks. Some of the kids had family issues and other issues which

The critical difference of service learning and the traditional learning style is that students are learning and addressing real needs in the community. Which connect students to the community through meaningful interactions with others, safety, and educational needs. This specific course includes readings, discussions, and activities to support

The benefit of service learning for the student and community is again a better inform civic minded individual who may use his experience from service learning as a launching pad for career opportunities to better serve within that community. In an article published in the College Student Journal its author noted that with service learning “students gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility" (Strange,

I knew what helping the community looked like especially since I had to do community service to graduate high school. Most of my community service house came from going on a mission trip with my church to a different state. When on this trip we would build a church for a week, but the people that went on this trip were all people that I knew. The only people I didn’t know were the people that we would stay with. Since I have been on these trips since I was about eight, I have been able to take on more responsibilities and become more of a leader on the job site to the younger kids. This has transitioned over to my sports and classroom here at Bridgewater. I have been able to become a better leader both on and off the field in sports and also to organize study sessions for

I did not know what service-learning was until I read the articles assigned for class. The articles along with going to the Harpers Ferry Job Corps orientation really showed me what it was all about. The reading and the class presentation have challenged my first thoughts by giving me a better understanding of what service learning is. Service-learning goes a couple of miles further than community service. Service-learning allows students to help the community, as well as learn about something. For example, my Education class is going to be tutoring students at Job Corps. Our class is providing the Harpers Ferry community a free service of tutoring to those who need it while hopefully my peers and I will gain a solid understanding of what it would be like to teach one-on-one. Service-learning has three main components: community service, instruction, and reflection. Those components work well together and make service-learning seem like the perfect answer to helping education grow into a more progressive way. However, students need to have a high responsibility, they have to take the initiative, as well as make choices. If students do not do that, the success of service-learning will be lacking.

Today I met with Teri to present my service learning project to her. I explained to her that I had made a brochure to present all the information about depression to her and that she could keep it. I felt nervous and anxious about presenting. In my brochure I included a brief definition of what depression is, predisposing factors, signs/symptoms, complications, treatments, medications, prognosis, ways to relieve stress/anxiety, and resources to gather more information on depression. As I was presenting my project I began to feel more relaxed and at ease. I tried to make my brochure as brief as possible, so that it was easy to understand, but include all the information needed as well. I feel that I did a pretty job of meeting this goal. I went

1). How do you believe service learning (SL) is utilized as a tool for fostering civic engagement?

“Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities” (Learn and Serve America National Service-Learning Clearinghouse). This assignment gave students the opportunity to go outside of their comfort zone, which is typically the classroom and see what the “real world” is like. As Gandhi would say “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” (Gandhi). I believe that this project really allowed us to appreciate what we have because many people are not as fortunate. During this service learning project I had certain expectations going into the project, but in the end, my results were not exactly as I expected.

For my Community Service Learning placement, I am volunteering for PAAL, which is a program for children and youth with physical and intellectual impairments. Their vision is to offer individuals who otherwise may not get the chance, an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of physical activities.

Planning and directing this service project taught me to lead by example, delegate responsibility, and be a conscientious organizer preparing me for the demands required of a leader in today’s society. I plan to use this experience to continue to serve my community and nation. Service to me is not just another thing that I can add to my college application, but is a deeper commitment. Service forges an unbreakable bond between me and those I serve, and a bond that I cherish very

The facility I chose to volunteer at to complete my service learning was the CMPD Animal Care and Control. The CMPD Animal Care and Control was a good place to do my service learning because it related to my topic perfectly. The CMPD Animal Care and Control because they take a variety of breeds. They are also very informative about breed discrimination. The organization is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, but they work with animals. The organization provides safety to citizen and animals in the community. They promote proper pet ownership and loving homes for adoptable pets. Another goal is to decrease the overpopulation with spay and neuter clinics.

What I did during my service learning was donated 35 book to our Local Impact Club. They are running a children's book drive for the next few weeks to raise books for Princeville Elementary School. Every five age appropriate for grades pre-K, books donated can be counted as one service hour (with no limit on hours earned).

I have been involved in a lot of causes similar to those that have been experienced by a lot of my classmates. I really enjoy serving others, I believe it is the most powerful weapon that we have in the war for souls. One of my most memorable was serving at the Special Olympics. I was allowed to work with a special group, I help them get to different events and assist them with lining up. I was so inspired and humble. There were so genuinely happy and filled with real joy. We might say that they were dealt a “bad hand“ or they were unfortunate, if this were true they did not know it. BIG smiles laughter, encouraging each other, just positive spirits and faces everywhere! It changed my life. We loose of joy due to

According to Kathleen Flecky and Lynn Gitlow, service-learning is defined as, “learning that occurs in experiences, reflection, and civic engagement” (Flecky & Gitlow, 2011). In recent years more universities are implementing service learning into their curriculum. A key concept of service learning is civic responsibility. Civic responsibility can simply be defined as your responsibilities as a citizen. As will be shown later in this paper, service learning can have many benefits not only to a student, but also to the community members