Re: thoughts for the c w n's, a not quite FINALE

Tony  graced us with a classic quote which highlights the value of
experiential service learning.  We can challenge and tweak students' 
interest
in community and the concepts which underly service; however,  physically
getting out and being mentally and emotionally  involved with their
internships  is the most effective pedagogy in touching their hearts and
souls.  I know my own students have been amazed at their experience in ways 
a
book can only hint.

Obviously, I support the kind of comments Tony shared and am grateful  (even
if accidental) they came just prior to Thanksgiving.

Joann Jelly

Patricia E. O'Connor wrote:

> Tony,
> I, for one, do wish we discussed issues more often on the list. I think
> that colleges and univeresities do offer opportunities (golden
> ones---reserved often for the well-heeled) for sustained and focused
> exploration of knowledge...but this must be for some point...for the
> further enrichment (not only in the usual capitalistic sense!) of our
> understanding of world--which does include the human element. That human
> element makes for all the intrigue, all that is so hard to explain with
> only an accumulation of facts. Real knowledge must make use of facts,
> findings, doubts about those findings. In service learning, could we be
> accused of jumping into the deep end without learning basic methods for
> floating, for swimming? Therein lies our caution. I think the learning
> part of service learning is hard to manage in our little tiny semester
> sized courses with projects hinged into those 14 week frames
> which flout the life-long frames of the communities in which we
> serve. Getting students to
> stay involved for sustained periods of time in a single service site has
> been my goal, acheived by some few only.
>
> Reactions to postings of "thought provoking content" do have a range on
> any list. We  all use the lists for many purposes...today I have the time
> for the refelction...other days, I'm a speed reader. Glad your comment
> came through on one of my reflective days.
>
> For those of you who like to reflect at length on one topic I suggest you
> join us in person at Georgetown University June 8-11,2000 for the
> Invisible
> College's 6th National Gathering on Service Learning in which we have one
> day of informative and interactive workshops and site visits followed by
> sustained conversations in the Learning Circle format that lasts for 2
> days. Fliers to follow! Spaces limited.
>
> --patricia
>
> Patricia E. O'Connor, Chair, Invisible College
> Assoc. Prof. English
> 312 New North
> Georgetown University
>                 20057
> 202 687 7622 (phone)
> 202 687 5445 (FAX)
>
> oconnorp@gusun.georgetown.edu