Course Description
This course gives students opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Japanese language and culture through their community service and to develop communication skills through discussions, reflection essays and presentations. Taught in Japanese.
Reflective Narrative
Service learning was a course that I would have never expected to take as it was far from usual and very hands on. I took this course in Fall 2015 and was able to gain skills and learn in ways that were vastly different than in a traditional setting. Through this course, I worked in a team of six students, three native English speakers, and three native speakers of Japanese in order to conduct lessons about Japanese language in culture. Our school we worked together with was Ord Terrace Elementary School and our students, mainly of Hispanic background, were in a range between second and fifth graders, Perhaps the greatest challenge of working with the students was being able to hold everyone's attention equally. At first this was not a problem, however as the students were used to us coming every week they soon became comfortably and we had to adjust our lessons accordingly. As the time went on however, we were able to develop a healthy and mutually understanding relationship with the students and our lessons became smoother over time.
Further, through our lessons the students were able to take parts of it and teach us about their culture as well. This could range from teaching us Spanish vocabulary and also Mexican traditions and allow room for us to compare and contrast Japanese and their own culture. This course was extremely rewarding and enriched my understanding of how to be able to properly be culturally sensitive. Social injustice was something we face each class and teaching session. Before each class, we were required read articles based on this issues, prepare a reflection or presentation, and discuss openly in class about it. For the teaching sessions, the school was located in a poverty stricken area which did not allow the students many opportunities. We were then able to provide an opportunity that may have been once in a lifetime for these children and make an impact.
Below you will find links to sample works from this course that best represent my accomplishments through this course.
Further, through our lessons the students were able to take parts of it and teach us about their culture as well. This could range from teaching us Spanish vocabulary and also Mexican traditions and allow room for us to compare and contrast Japanese and their own culture. This course was extremely rewarding and enriched my understanding of how to be able to properly be culturally sensitive. Social injustice was something we face each class and teaching session. Before each class, we were required read articles based on this issues, prepare a reflection or presentation, and discuss openly in class about it. For the teaching sessions, the school was located in a poverty stricken area which did not allow the students many opportunities. We were then able to provide an opportunity that may have been once in a lifetime for these children and make an impact.
Below you will find links to sample works from this course that best represent my accomplishments through this course.
Sample Lesson Plan |
Site Visit Reflection |
Final Service Learning Presentation |