How can we facilitate service learning (or SHOULD we)?
On the topic of service learning: In the high school I went to, and I assume in many across the country, the teaching of civics has been phased out. I'm unsure how students would react to that type of education as it seems a type of delicate moral instruction that many entering freshman have not been introduced to since elementary school. If students received some sort of civic responsibility course in their high school I could see them accepting it at the University, but if they are anything like the type who parties until 4 am on a Tuesday night like my neighbors, it is most likely to fall on deaf ears and become like pulling teeth.
So should we facilitate service learning in the FYC classroom? I think that we should but I don't see it working out. Encouraging students to reflect on their own extra-curricular service-based activities (if they participate any) would be a good place to start. Not only does it help them to practice the process of reflection, but it enables them to begin considering "where they stand," and to develop a unique voice amidst all their drowsy classmates. Focused free-writing exercises might help students to develop a sense of civic responsibility without forcing the uncharitable to commit heinous acts of charity.
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From previous neighborly encounters, try calling the Lubbock Police Department's non-emergency dispatch line: 806-775-2865 or 2866.
On a more academic note, I do appreciate your explication of service learning in the composition classroom. And reflection is always something that students need to value more and not less.
To instill a sense of civic duty and teach composition? I'm not sure we CAN do both, or at least both well. I wonder if we would even be having this discussion if this was a basic level math, science, engineering, ag, or art class. Why is it the writing teacher's responsibility? Because no one else will do it? Or because we so automatically tie the idea of writing your ideas with acting upon them?
I had not thought about teaching civic duty to the students. While I agree that they need it, I am not sure that it can be accmplished well in a comp class. I think that would have to be a separate class. But, like you said, would most care? Probably not. I think it needs to happen, but not sure how. I also agree that at least teaching the student to reflect in comp classes is a place to start. Perhaps, that will be a spring board for the rest to follow? You raise a good topic though.
I think you are completely right about the need to fit service learning in somewhere within the freshman first year curriculum; however, I am not so sure that the place is composition class. Although it would certainly foster reflection and a desired level of awareness that would contribute to better writing, there just don't seem to be enough hours in a class (or perhaps even a lifetime...) to teach proper writing and anything else. Yay for idealism though :)
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