Argument Essay
Indeed, service learning does serve for a well-rounded education. Especially while in college, service learning can familiarize students with companies and professionals in their chosen fields of study in their communities. I am in school to earn a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology. I would love to be immersed into a service learning program to not only gain experience in my field, but to complete a project within my community with companies that I may look to for a job upon graduation. As the article states, these students "achieve personal growth and develop a sense of civic-mindedness while addressing a community need." This type of civic engagement not only offers career preparation, but a chance to become more knowledgeable of the interaction they could have in their communities. People can look forward to this service learning and find some reward in doing it. The article goes on to say that colleges who offer service learning are seeing a spike in interest that was not present before. Many medical degrees require many observation hours for the purpose of "on-the-job learning." Why should this type of learning and experience not be shifted to other degree options in colleges nationally? Service Learning enhances formal education. In general, most teenagers are hard to persuade about topics like improving schools and communities. “50 percent of students surveyed before participating in a service learning course believed they had a good understanding of the needs and problems facing the Rochester area.” After participating in service learning, the number rose to seventy-five percent. College used to be a place that would produce better citizens. Now the primary focus has turned to getting ready for professional careers. If improving society and our communities does not get taught in college, then we will have missed the original purpose for college itself. Students that participate in service learning classes
Cited: Connolly, Barbara. “Service Learning Serves a Well Rounded Education.” Community College Weekly [Fairfax, VA] 21 Nov. 2005: 4-5. Web.