Michele James-Deramo's message contained a point that is very disturbing.
She talks about students feeling "safer" using electronic devices than
expressing thoughts and constructing positions in class. Students are
reticent in the classroom. Does this mean that our students have poor
interpersonal relations skills? Shouldn't our entire educational program
from K - college be about supporting social growth? How can we expect
these students to have a valuable service-learning experience out in the
community if they feel safer in solitude? How can we educators feel
comfortable talking about this as a matter of fact without questioning
the educational system that we have created and continue to support?
Aren't we at all concerned about this lack of interpersonal skills and
the long term effects it will have on service-learning and our society?
In my classes, students must do group work, share their reflective
journal entries, and take part in presentations regarding their
service-learning experience as part of their final grade. I realize that
some students are shy, but it is my job to help them overcome this. In
the future, most of our students are not going to work in isolation and
as college educated people ought to be expected to display positive
social skills. Isn't this a major point of community-service?
Richard Appelbaum
Broward Community College
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl
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