Service-learning: - Essay Example

As the passage describes, these undergraduates “acquire individual advancement and establish an impression of civic-mindedness when undertaking a fellowship necessity.” This community event proposes employment readiness. Service learning provides an opportunity to familiarize with the synergy employment could possess. Individuals may seek service learning and benefit from participation. The section of document articulates that universities who suggest service learning are detecting a pierce in attraction that was not previously present.

Why should this articulation and knowledge be maneuvered to more degree selections in colleges nationwide? Aside, from imparting knowledge of arts sciences and languages, a college should have the duty, to provide civic enlightenment to its students (Connolly 4, col.2). From this view point, service learning is, therefore, a welcome relief as it is a medium of civic education. Having the constitution to think of the interests of others is essential within the social, formal and informal levels.

Therefore, it is imperative that an individual has these civic responsibilities engrained in their conscious as a constant reminder. This creates consistency because that person puts into practice values and ideologies outside the classroom (Connolly 4, col.3). As such, the program adopted should have practical qualities. Service learning improves academic apprenticeship as it takes a practical approach. For instance, only 20-40 hours of community service will impact the relationship of a student to the surrounding community (Connolly 4, col.3). This process also proves to be an essential way of sensitizing students on emerging issues.

This is, however, dependent on the approach of an individual instructor. The beauty of service learning is that it can be custom made to fit a category of students. In which case, there are no worries that flux in time, events and other emerging ideologies will render it irrelevant. For instance, Sumati, 2005, a sociology professor (Connolly 4, col.3), requires that her students investigate issues ranging from lead poisoning to housing costs. This way, she addresses pollution, a current hot debate while sensitizing the students on their duties and responsibilities toward such matters.

Therefore, establishing a relationship is just the beginning. The bigger task is to ensure that the student is aware of their civic obligation and learn to incorporate them in this relationship. Professor Sumati’s students after the experience appear to accord seriousness to matters such as pollution. The students also adopt a mature stance in regard to handling such serious matters. While presenting their reports the students “…dress professionally and carry themselves with such confidence and presence" (5, col.1). Individuality draws a subjective curtain on the relations in a community.

Granted, most ideologies advanced in the modern world take an individualistic approach, for instance, capitalism and democracy. However, the aspect of man as a social being still dominates the day to day activities of a nation. Building a community mentality is, therefore, crucial for the smooth running of affairs (Connolly 4 col.1). This is the approach that service learning takes. Understanding that lead poisoning is not the problem of the industry only because it will affect those who did not participate in the pollution is crucial.

In the same way, understanding it is crucial to note that an individual’