Talking Points

In the Service of What?
By: Kahne and Westheimer

1. "His high school seniors were not asked to articulate an understanding of the conditions and contexts that might have contributed to the loss of a family's home or to a pregnant mother's decision to turn to crack cocaine." (p.3)
Here, it shows that while Mr. Johnson's ideas were clear, he did require his students to get to know the people they were caring for. The students were able to feel good about themselves for helping out the community, but they didn't "understand" the point of it. They did not see how the people they were helping ending up that way, so they missed "the big picture.".

2. "Ms. Adams' students, by contrast, began their work with a systematic and critical analysis of the causes of homelessness and of the strategies employed to prevent it." (p.3)
Here, Ms. Adams' methods were more effective. The students came to an understanding as to why there were homeless people, how they got there, and as a result can probably draw conclusions to the real world and find ways to minimize the numbers of homeless people. By doing research and having an understanding for the people they are caring for, the students will feel more fulfilled and understand why they are going to such great lengths to make a difference in the community.

3. "The distance between the one caring adn the one cared for diminishes. Unfortunately, in many service activities, students view those they serve as clients rather than as a resource." (p.7)
This further emphasizes my point that although the students are doing good deeds to help the community, they might not fully understand why they are doing so. If the students arent making an effort to get to know the people they are helping, they won't get the meaning behind the project. They are helping the community yes, but what will the student gain in return? If they get to know the people in need, they can make life long friends, and even get so attached to the project that they will find ways to prevent and or help the community in the long run.

In conclusion, I found that the reading was a very interesting one. I think that students being required to participate in service learning projects in high school would be a good thing, but if the students don't get to know the community they are trying to help, then it will be in vain. The students should try to connect with the people they are helping as much as possible. Students will develop self esteem, higher order thinking, they will make use of multiple abilities and it will be an authentic learning experience.They will experience the excitement and joy of learning while using the community as a classroom.