The reading we had this week talked about students being connected to the university and retention. As you remember retention was higher for those students that participated in WOK their first year and the Mentorship and Learning (ML) program. I thought about this and decided that building a relationship and showing the mentees I am sincerely interested in them and their academic endeavors in their dance class was an important building block to start with. I really want this to work and if participation in this Service Learning helps keeps students at Western through graduation, that is the best! I also liked how the article talked about sustainable learning and deeper sustainable learning; by engaging in our Research Mentor class we are giving other students the opportunity to become better researchers, more equipped for research, organized, supported and networked through collaboration and connection.
I had a great time with my mentees and one of Kristina's. Before the tour, I had gone to the library and picked up bookmarks that had a list of the library floors and what was on each floor. I handed them out for two reasons. One reason was so they would get an idea of what was in the library; the second reason was as a reference tool for later. We spent the time sharing a bit, talking about their class and really just connecting. We went to the basement to see if we could catch Mabel Wilson, but apparently she was out and about. We went to the Harry Potter room, children's literature, service learning areas, as well as the main portions that would pertain to students, seeking resources via computer searches, library catalogue and sections of the library that may be most useful to them in this process, like the circulation desk for Iliad and inter library loan, writing center, reference collection, student technology, media collection, etc. We ended our tour at Zoe's. I initiated my offer for help and assistance to them and also talked about how sometimes it's hard to ask for help even in an instance like this. It can be uncomfortable or you don't want to bother someone even if it is a class. We talked about meeting once per week or how would they like to proceed. They were unsure as they need to get into their coursework more. I made a decision I would contact each of them weekly just to check in and see how it's going. They seemed to like this idea and I let them know to tell me if the contact was too much. There of course is also the invitation for them to contact me anytime as well. I will probably text them each weekly.
At this time we are not scheduling any group meetings. As they progress more in their class, we will determine whether one on one's are more appropriate and helpful or if they would like to stay in a group.
I'm enthused and intrigued to see what the outcomes will be for us and our mentees. I'm hopeful there will be some kind of assessment or feedback loop so we will have an inkling of what the impact is with a program such as this.
I love being in class with such caring, compassionate people who have done much service already collectively. Thanks! Christina
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Path of Inquiry/September 30, 2010
What does it mean to serve others? In contemplating this question regarding this class, I think to serve others would be to find out what they need and want to be successful and then ensuring I have the knowledge of resources and/or referral to resources to help them be successful. I also think serving others is where we find out a little about how they learn, what works for them as far as interactions, do we email, text, facebook, and how much support do they want and need. Availability to them and letting our groups know our purpose is to serve them is important too. If we appear too busy or bothered, that may hinder the learning process.
What is service learning? From what we have learned so far, service learning is supporting academic goals with a hands on interaction and experiential learning experience for both mentors and mentees. It's identifying a complex problem for a community or agency and working in community to find a solution to that problem. It's joining together a need and human resource to work together towards solutions in human interaction and community.
What experiences with research and writing have I had? I took a research class through the Human Services Department. I wanted to do a research project that would be helpful to where I work which is the Dean of Students, Student Activities and Viking Union-Facilities. My research was on the leadership experiences and training Associated Students Board of Directors bring with them when voted into their student government offices. I interviewed incoming AS Board members and outgoing AS Board members. I conducted a total of 12, 1 1/2 hour interviews and transcribed each one. I also looked at what available research there was on student leadership and development. I analysed what I learned and came up with suggestions of what students felt they needed to be successful in their roles as well as what they brought with them. Based on the research a student training for AS Board members was developed that first summer (my research was done in spring). One year later, I interviewed the AS Board members who were in office that year, and did an assessment of the training they received in the summer with suggestions for future trainings.
Writing experiences I have had are with APA in the Human Services program. We write lots of papers. I feel I have become more knowledgeable on APA and a better writer over the last three years.
What is service learning? From what we have learned so far, service learning is supporting academic goals with a hands on interaction and experiential learning experience for both mentors and mentees. It's identifying a complex problem for a community or agency and working in community to find a solution to that problem. It's joining together a need and human resource to work together towards solutions in human interaction and community.
What experiences with research and writing have I had? I took a research class through the Human Services Department. I wanted to do a research project that would be helpful to where I work which is the Dean of Students, Student Activities and Viking Union-Facilities. My research was on the leadership experiences and training Associated Students Board of Directors bring with them when voted into their student government offices. I interviewed incoming AS Board members and outgoing AS Board members. I conducted a total of 12, 1 1/2 hour interviews and transcribed each one. I also looked at what available research there was on student leadership and development. I analysed what I learned and came up with suggestions of what students felt they needed to be successful in their roles as well as what they brought with them. Based on the research a student training for AS Board members was developed that first summer (my research was done in spring). One year later, I interviewed the AS Board members who were in office that year, and did an assessment of the training they received in the summer with suggestions for future trainings.
Writing experiences I have had are with APA in the Human Services program. We write lots of papers. I feel I have become more knowledgeable on APA and a better writer over the last three years.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Course Reflection
In reviewing the course mission statement, goals and learning outcomes I am enthused about the depth of what we will be learning in this seminar. I have so loved being in an academic setting. My passion and thirst for learning has been a welcomed surprise. What resonates with me is a focus on concern, appreciation and purposeful value of academics and research. I like what Gabe said that the course is "To make Western a more connected community of teachers and learners". I'm looking forward to developing professional, mentoring and interpersonal skills around being a resource for others, becoming more integrated into the learning community and to learn more about service learning. Further, I had such a great research experience that I am looking forward to learning more around developing research questions, evaluation of research and organization.
I'm enrolled in the course because I am very fond of people and working in community with others. The course was recommended to me by Jane Verner. when I read the course description, I knew I would gain much and desire to contribute in a meaningful way as well.
It was so fun getting into our mentoring groups yesterday. I have sent an email and obtained cell phone numbers for texting. I know texting is a popular way to keep in touch too.
I so enjoyed meeting everyone in our class and was moved by some of the mentor stories, as well as some of the service learning and research, individuals in our group have done. I have a sense that we are a caring group of individuals who enjoy making a difference in others' lives.
I'm enrolled in the course because I am very fond of people and working in community with others. The course was recommended to me by Jane Verner. when I read the course description, I knew I would gain much and desire to contribute in a meaningful way as well.
It was so fun getting into our mentoring groups yesterday. I have sent an email and obtained cell phone numbers for texting. I know texting is a popular way to keep in touch too.
I so enjoyed meeting everyone in our class and was moved by some of the mentor stories, as well as some of the service learning and research, individuals in our group have done. I have a sense that we are a caring group of individuals who enjoy making a difference in others' lives.
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