CR#1: What is Service-Learning?

Jennifer Cortez
Sep 5, 2018 · 2 min read

WHAT?: Service learning is different from volunteering because when one is volunteering, there is not much learning that goes into it. The main focus on volunteering is sometimes focused on thinking that one is helping a program when in reality one doesn’t know the whole meaning that goes into volunteering. In service learning, it is completely different. Service learning not only gives students the opportunity to go out to the community but also have a true meaning to their projects. You see the impacts you create and learn from the community. On chapter 7, on Service-Learning: A Movement’s Pioneer, at the end explains how “extraordinary learning” was going on during the service learning and things that needed to be done within the communities were being done and students learn from the communities.

SO WHAT?: Reading “Helping, Fixing, Serving,” really gave me true understanding on what service is. Going back to the question on understanding my role in the community this semester is truly being there to serve. Not so much on helping and fixing. The reason why it’s not much of fixing and helping, is because in Remen’s article it explains how “when you help, you see life as weak…when you fix, you see life as broken.” This touched me on a real level. Gave me real answers on why it is important to serve instead. This also adds on to the other article of Illch’s article on “To Hell with Good Intentions.” I think combining both their ideas give me a true understanding on service within the community.

NOW WHAT?: A concept that intrigues me is valuing the community voice and knowledge. I think that it is very important to have the understanding of the community. Going to the service learning programs will give the chance to truly understand the community and open my mind. Therefore, I am excited to see what happened this semester.

F18 Community Action & Social Change: Theory and Practice

This is the Medium page for the Fall 2018 Community Action and Social Change: Theory and Practice course. CASC: Theory and Practice is a core course for Dominican University of California Minor in Community Action and Social Change.

Jennifer Cortez

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F18 Community Action & Social Change: Theory and Practice

This is the Medium page for the Fall 2018 Community Action and Social Change: Theory and Practice course. CASC: Theory and Practice is a core course for Dominican University of California Minor in Community Action and Social Change.

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