Thursday, January 22, 2015

Service-Learning and Global Competence

How do you see service learning as an educational vehicle to global competence?

I think service-learning projects are a great tool to encourage teens to venture out into the community and help others. Unfortunately, without a heavy hand, many of my students would not actively go into the community to do projects like this.  Not only does it open our students to view different paths someone took in their life but the student can connect with them on a more meaningful level. Essentially, the students learn to help others possibly less fortunate then themselves. It is scary to look one's own town and see the heartache it may be experiencing. A service-learning project can take the blanket off of some students eyes and see the truth that is happening in their hometown. Struggle, hardships, strength when needed. Even though it may not be a global project, the ideas are the same. Being able to view others form their own perspective can help open our eyes more to the world. Plus, one act of kindness goes a long way. If we help with what is around us in our towns and our neighborhoods, it could only help our world become a better place. This reminds me of the starfish story. A difference can be made, one by one. 

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