Kahne and Westheimer - Argument

Kahne and Westheimer argue that service learning is an important aspect to have in society and classrooms because it can give a different energy to the class providing experiences that influence students to want to improve or change the things around them

Kahne and Westheimer's main idea is the importance service learning curriculum within classrooms. They discuss the important difference in charity and change within service learning. Charity in service learning can be explained as an action of giving rather and experiencing what it feels like to to do something before understanding what exactly is need. Charity is temporary change that impacts single people. An example of charity described by Kahne and Westheimer is Mr. Johnson's class that put together daily life kits for the homeless. They had decided on what to put in the kits without having a conversation with someone that is homeless or someone who has knowledge on the subject. This stopped the children from experiencing any meaningful interactions and develop an understanding, caring relationships. Change on the other hand can be explained as gaining knowledge about an important economic issue and thinking of what ways to help change the issue. An example of change explained by Kahne and Westheimer is Ms. Adams class that examined issues of concern and voted to put their attention on homelessness. Their service learning unit discussed and looked deeper into political determinants, legal and social and economic of homelessness before inviting guest speakers and read newspapers and books about the topic. After, they thought and developed plans of action for relief efforts for the homeless people in their communities and raised money for homeless advocacy groups they chose. They also discuss how important meaningful reflection is withing the service learning curriculum.