Ch.1 Response Service-Learning Text Book

Chapter One defined service learning as "a method by which students learn through active participation in thoughtfully organized service; is conducted in, and meets the needs of the community; is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum; includes structured time for reflection and helps foster civic responsibility." This definition helped me begin to set goals for this semester in technical writing. In order to learn through service, there are objectives that need to be met and these are stated within the definition of service learning.

The Stanford University model (p.4) added the idea that "students mainly write as their community service rather than about it." I love this ethnographic approach and believe it's a valuable mind set to have from start to finish. Also, the phrase "address a need in the community rather than meet a need in the community" is an important mindset; it offers a realistic point of view, puts less stress on the project, and reiterates that this is a learning process.

After reading Chapter One, I realize that one challenge I will face is "the seduction of empathy." The text argues that we'll never completely understand the lives of the people with whom we're working. I like to think that this is something that can be accomplished at the end of a servic-learning or civic engagement project.