"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." - Marilyn Monroe said that. Mark Twain said that.
In searching for scholarly research, I discovered that I need different words. I've been looking for writing “as community engagement”, but it looks like I need to look for writing “with service learning” if I’m going to find I’m looking for. Once I figured that out, my major discovery this week was a series of useful journals. For example, Research in the Teaching of English, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, and Reading Research Quarterly. Obviously, the one specific volume I wanted in two of the three of these journals was mysteriously absent from the Adams Library Stacks, but thanks to the miraculous powers The Internet (thanks Mr.Gore!) I should be receiving them in .pdf format any day now. I was happy to find these journals, but I have to say I want more good ole fashion books. I think that as I find the right words, I’ll find the right books.
Gabor (2011) (In a book I did find, by the way) claims that “in academic settings students (and often professors) usually view writing as a commodity in exchange for a grade… I wanted students to see … writing as political action” (p. 180). BINGO. I want students to see writing as a political action! Wright (2012) explains how writing during in service learning projects produces high levels of motivation and can create great gains in literacy. He mentions a variety of writing strategies for in service learning and I look forward to discovering more.
Something significant in this weeks research is that almost all of the service learning writing projects I encountered take place in youth led after school programs, not in classrooms. So why is this? The two places I am hoping to connect with for primary sources are youth led after school programs, so it’s possible I am using that language and that lens when I’m conducting research and coming up with similar results. Maybe service learning and community engagement don’t have much traction in the current climate of American schools. Maybe it’s easier to publish research on after school activities than in classrooms. I really hope I find some classrooms using writing in this way, and will take this opportunity to H/T (hat tip) Cindy for her comments on my last blog post with a list of schools she’s seen writing projects I might be interested in.
Stay tuned for more updates dear readers!
Colleen, I really like your idea of having more community engaged writing. My little sister was talking about how she disagreed with how the school was going to move grade 8 students into the highschool and have them intergrated. She said she felt like the kids might be bullied, how her lunch time is already crammed and where were they going to fit these kids? She was so enraged about it, which made me happy because it means she cares about her community. Well I told her what any english major would do (well most of us I hope lol) and told her to write an e-mail to her super intendent. I think many times students aren't taught that we do live in a democracy where we can express our ideas with freedom, FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Many times its talked about in school but not really put in practice.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find your material with the right words, you seem very excited to work on this, can't wait to see the product!