JAPN 320SL: Advanced Japanese Service Learning
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.
Units: 4
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.
Units: 4
Reflective Narrative
This course contributed to the fulfillment of University Wide Requirements for Community Service. In this class we learned about issues of power dominance, helping vs serving, minority issues, and current issues and considerations within education - particularly Foreign Language education. In addition to weekly readings, discussions in English, and written responses in Japanese, we were introduced to making lesson plans. Our service was teaching elementary school students at an after-school program about Japanese culture and language twice a week. While on the surface we were teaching children about culture, our work was motivated by social justice. Many of the children in our group were hispanic and from lower income families. Not only were we providing extra support and a safe after-school environment, but we were generating interest in foreign cultures and languages, a subject often overlooked in favor for "core" subjects like math and science. Many the children were bilingual in English and Spanish, and I believe part of our goal was to help them see foreign language in a positive light to be able to connect with people.
I created an Ikebana lesson plan to teach the children about several concepts: Japanese appreciation of nature and the seasons, flower names, and a visual-tactile understanding of Japanese aesthetics. From these experiences, I have learned that children need to be taught to change their misconceptions of foreign cultures, and to have an effective lesson there needs to be interest the entire time. My goal is to further educate those within my community about Japanese culture, share experiences and correct misconceptions in order to create greater understanding between local and international communities. I may develop a new program for middle school students within my community. |
Sample Lesson
Other Work Samples
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