Talking Points #5

Kahne and Westheimer "In the Service of What?"

1. "As is commonly the case with new policy initiatives, however, more attention has been focused on moving forward than on asking where we are heading." (pg. 2)

- While this quote was presented early in the article, I feel it arrives at the same basic point that Kahne and Westheimer are trying to make through their comparison of the various methods used when executing service learning projects. By focusing on the end versus the means, not only are we deprived of the wonderful experiences and learning opportunities to be gained by the process of doing good, but our efforts are also much more valued and effective as become a factor in change as opposed to charity. Also, it is important to understand what our goal is to be attained so we can set a focused path towards reaching that goal. By simply moving forward, we lose sight of our ultimate goal and it becomes difficult to determine whether or not we are on the most effective and efficient path for reaching it.

2. "The approach to service learning taken by Mr. Johnson stresses charity and the ways in which participating in service and reflection can develope students' sense of altruism. ... Mr. Adams' students, by contrast, began their work with a systematic and critical analysis of the causes of homelessnss and of the strategies employed to prevent it." (pgs. 3-4)

- At first glance, I initally thought that the work proposed by Mr. Johnson would prove to be more effective in the long run because the students were given the opportunity to place themselves in various communities and work with those in need. It appeared that they were gaining more hands-on experience, and therefore helping the community. While charitable acts such as these are no doubt helpful, they don't suggest the kind of change necessary to really make a difference in the lives of others. Mr. Adams' students were able to educate themselves about the conditions of hte homeless and the causes of homelessness, therefore instilling a sense of understanding and tolerance that most cannot grasp. After having this preliminary information, they can put themselves into the community where they will work beside the homeless for a common, greater cause. They place themselves on an equal-playing field with the homeless, although they are in less fortunte circumstances, whereas Mr. Johnson's students may naturally view those that they are helping as "clients."

3. "Others argue that educators may miss important opportunities if they disconnect the act of service from a critical examination of the setting in which it occurs. While requiring students to 'serve America' (the rhetoric of the federal legislation) might produce George Bush's 'thousand points of light,' it might also promote a thousand points of the status quo. Indeed, the emphasis on altruism and charity, so common in many recent service learning initiatives, is often used to back a conservative political agenda that denies a role for government." (pg. 8)

- One key concept that I found interesting in this quote was the "thousand points of status quo." Many view charity as an act for the better good of the community, the nation, and people as a whole. Most wouldn't associate charitable acts with the emphasis of negative stereotypes or even just reinforcement of already established ideas about those who are less privileged. I personally feel that it is necessary to having both the educational component and the service learning component. An abundance of knowledge about any situation won't be very beneficial if you don't take any form of action, however action without understand can prove to be more detrimental. One could argue then that inaction does less damage than action - even if done with good intentions - because even if somebody does nothing with their newly acquired knowledge, they have found understanding and tolerance for the group in question which places them on a relatively equal playing group whereas someone who just does service still views the other individuals as "unfortunate" or "less priviledge." In order to have true change, you must find a delicate balance utilizing both materials and resources.