Talking Points #5

Joseph Kahne and Joel Westheimer " In the Service of What?" The Politics of Service Learning"

Premise

• difference
• approaches
• learning and understanding
• effort
• charity vs. change
• accomplishments
• disadvantaged
• helpful/ helpless
• priorities
• interaction

Argument: Kahne and Westheimer argue that learning and service support each other and should be integrated into schools curriculm's not as a charity but as a changing experiance for the student.

Evidence

1. "In contrast, much of the current discussion regarding service learning emphasizes charity, not change." Kahne is trying to say that students need to feel a change or try to make a change rather then just being of service to the community. Although, their service is very valued, it may not be the right kind in order to evoke a change in the students.
2. A student in Mr. Johnson's class desribed her experiance with volunteering at a elderly home during Thanksgiving. Her experiance put emphasis more on charity then change. This helps the argument because although the student did do a act of community service she did not get to develop a caring relationship. She gave her time to the community instead of genuinely caring about the community and trying to change it. She did not get to interact with those she was helping and therefore did not get a good understanding of how to change the wrong things in the community.
3. "For them, it is the combination of service and critical analysis, not either by itself, that seems most likely to promote interest in and insight into these complex social issues." This quote helps explain why the service learning should not just be charity work. Charity work does not enable the person to connect with whom they are serving, it is simply an act of kindness. The correct kind of service learning is one that allows the person to connect and share with who they are serving and therefore gaining a better understanding of their lives and struggles and what needs to change in the world.

Comments

I enjoyed reading this article, even though it was a little bit boring. The article in itself had good points but there were too many outside voices thrown into it. I agree with the authors that there are different types of service. People can service learn and not ever connect or come in contact with who they are serving or they can be put one on one with the group. I think they prove a good point in saying that charity work does not promote change. If people are not able to interact then they will never realize the problems.I feel I am doing more then charity in my service learning, I am able to see what can be improved in school systems and what is working.