On Tue, 19 Mar 1996, Judy Reese wrote:
> We here at the Rutgers CASE (Citizenship and Service Education)
> Program are getting ready to host a series of focus groups.
> We are interested in learning from our constituents "how we are
> doing." At our staff meeting this morning one member suggested
> that we start off with some *Service-Learning Humor* to break the
> ice. So, my first request is for community service jokes or
> anecdotes.
This doesn't quite answer your question, but I thought I'd offer a
suggestion that worked for us. At the start of our focus groups with our
grantees' faculty, students and community partners, we ask: "I'd like to
go around the room and have each of you give your name and and one
adjective that best describes your experience in
establishing/implementing your service-learning program.
"You've used some interesting descriptions of your experiences.
Let's hear a little more about the adjectives you chose. Would someone
like begin by describing why you chose the adjective that you did?"
It's a good way to get discussion going and to immediately ask
participants to reflect on their experiences - the adjective they choose
and their explanations afterwards can be quite enlightening: exciting,
challenging, affirming, confusing, frustrating, wild, collaborative, hectic.
Sarena
Health Professions Schools in Service to the Nation Program
sarena@u.washington.edu