Ideas for Service Learning

In higher education, there has been a trend for colleges and universities to find ways to provide opportunities for students to learn in the context of serving their community. An example of this would be having architectural students work with an architect in the community to plan a new community center and then help to construct it.

I was reading an article the other day about illiteracy and public policy. The government, in the past, has provided funding to organizations willing to provide literacy classes and training to those who do not know how to read or write.

The article stated that though grant funding had been available, many public libraries were not taking advantage of it. The authors also believe that public librarians should continue to consider offering technology and literacy classes to adults.

I believe that academic libraries have a great opportunity to develop literacy programs in the context of service learning. They could partner with other community organizations and departments on campus (such as education) to offer credit to students who are interested in learning to program and educate adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills. I know this would take a lot of work to pull off, but I think it would be a great service for the library to offer and a great learning experience to offer to our students.

Procrastination

I really procrastinated on a paper that was due last night. I was trying to think about why. The reason is not because I find the assignment difficult or challenging, but because I was not interested in writing on this particular topic. It was a too broad in my opinion, and I did not feel like I had enough resources to write this paper. This is ironic considering I am studying to be a librarian, and though I am familiar enough with how to find the information I need, this particular topic was SO broad that I had trouble pinpointing one or two key ideas on which to base my paper.

Reasons I procrastinate include:

1. Topic is too broad and I have trouble narrowing it down.
2. Not have enough information to make convincing arguments.
3. No interest in the subject I’m writing about.
4. Not understanding the contextual value of assignments– if an assignment seems like busywork, then I’ll just avoid doing it.

Some of these reasons do correspond to an article I read about why students procrastinate. I don’t know why I’m so unmotivated in this particular class, but it borders on resistance. I am not an “engaged student” in this class.

However, the paper is now finished, and I can move on. I will gladly receive the “C” I deserve and continue on to enjoy the weekend.