Running head: SERVICE LEARNING REFLECTIVE SUMMARY

Service Learning Reflective Summary

Jared McKinley
Ivy Tech Community College

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Service Learning Reflective Summary
Introduction
During my service learning at Belzer Middle School I was able to experience a real
classroom setting from a teachers standpoint. It was a great experience and helped me better
understand the roles, and responsibilities of teachers. I was fortunate to shadow an individual that
teaches a subject in which I am interested in teaching. This really helped me get an idea of how I
will teach in the future. In the classroom, diversity is everywhere. Each student is different and
unique in their own way. After completing the service learning, I recognize that good teachers
are not only knowledgeable of the subject material; but are able to connect with the students as
well. This experience has had a huge impact on my mindset of becoming a teacher. I feel more
educated, and more aware of what to expect as a teacher in the classroom.
Relate Service Learning Experience to the Classroom
Diversity in American education can vary simply because there are many different
cultural backgrounds students possess. One must understand that with diversity amongst the
students, learning in the classroom will be different for each student. During my observations in
the classroom I recognized students with different values and beliefs as myself. Although they
may have not been entirely different, they were not exactly the same either. This showed me that
each student is unique in their own way. Each day I made an effort to connect and relate with the
students. Whether it was a brief conversation with a student about things outside of class or
something to do with the material, I did not reveal a judgmental attitude towards the students.
This helped me connect and engage with the students. By the end of the service learning, I had
created positive relationships with a large percentage of the students. This associates with an
article we read that talked about diversity, cultural differences, and things like physical,
emotional, and cognitive development. Delgado-Gaitan and Trueba (1991) said, A widely
accepted definition of culture states that it is a dynamic system of social values, cognitive codes,

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behavioral standards, worldviews, and beliefs used to give order and meaning to our own lives as
well as the lives of others(p.69). I was able to consciously think about this passage from the
article. It helped me grow as a person as well as an educator. I had a great mindset, and it
showed to be an affective indicator as far as connecting with the students.
Classroom Environment and Student Learning
Classroom environment and student learning is dependent on multiple things such as
family, culture, and general environments. For example, a female student from the suburbs may
not have the same values and beliefs of a male student from a rural area. These students may also
differ in their socioeconomic status. Teaching students that are from a low-income setting creates
unique challenges. Some students may enter first grade having been read to about 25 hours,
compared to 1,000 hours in middle-class homes (Neumann 1999). This will have an effect on
student learning. Their thought process may be different. These differences are responsible for
the environment of the classroom. This is reflective of the students. Also a teacher must keep in
mind that in order to achieve a good classroom environment and successful student learning that
he or she must be willing to promote equal rights and restrain from anything that may cause
discrimination within the classroom. I believe this goes back to the discussion we had earlier in
the semester. We talked about students understanding right from wrong, and if this is something
that is learned from family. In some cases, this is true but this may not always be true. Some
children come from broken homes and may not learn much from their family at all. I accept this
and believe it is important for teachers to encourage good behavior. Teachers need to let these
expectations be known. This will help set an example, and will lead to better classroom
environments. This will also help contribute to society.
Future Teacher
Being able to work with kids and effectively manage the classroom toward positive
progress is something I believe I will be able to handle right from the start. I understand there

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will be complications along the way, but I feel as if I will be able to connect with each student in
some way or another. I plan to use this to my advantage. I want to create positive relationships
with each student so that I can help them become successful. I believe that once a teacher shows
that they care about a student, and the student understands that, perhaps a mutual respect will be
the outcome. Before I become a teacher, my organization and time management skills need to
improve. After completing the service learning project I realize that good teachers are prepared
and organized. After witnessing it firsthand I now understand the time teachers put in for each
class. Being prepared and organized will influence my students greatly. It is something I
certainly need to be aware of.
Summary
My growth as an inspiring teacher has increasingly developed after completing the
service learning project. Before I had a great mindset, but I lacked knowledge in which I gained
from being in the classroom. Even little things such as making kids smile to bigger things like
home situations involving friends or family. I now have a better understanding from a teachers
point of view. I am still very enthusiastic to work with adolescents and make a difference in the
world. The Learning experience I gained from service learning is remarkable to me because it
was everything that I thought it would be. I truly believe that I was meant to be a positive figure
for kids, and that is exactly what I plan to do!

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Reference Page
Delgado-Gaitan and Trueba. (1991). student similarities and differences. In child development
and education (p. 69). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson.

Neumann. (1999). student similarities and differences. In child development and education
(p. 79). pearson.

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InTASC Standards Rationale Page
Standard #3: Learning Environments
The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative
learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and selfmotivation.
Name of Artifact: Active engagement, and encouraging positive social interaction between
classmates and I.
Date: Sept.-Nov. 2015
Course:

EDUC 101: Introduction to Teaching

Brief Description:
This was a daily objective I developed for eighth graders at Belzer Middle School,
Indianapolis, IN. It begins with me getting to know the students, and developing relationships.
Once I was able to connect with the students, I began to engage them in activities. I tried to
compare subject material to things of todays society. A highlight of the experience was that
every student participated.
Rationale:
To document my understanding of InTASC Standard 3, Learning Environments, I have
selected to include a daily objective I developed to engage the students and have them participate
in class activities. My idea illustrates this standard because it provided a better learning
environment. It helped students relate to each other as well as to the subject material. Being able
to connect to the material with similarities and differences from today helped develop class
participation. Students responded well and were able to retain information substantially.
Self-Reflection:
Modifications I might add may be journal responses first before group discussion. Rather
than getting straight to the point, it may be better to have the students express their ideas on
paper first before we engage in-group discussion.

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Late Assignment Cover Sheet Form
Any work that is not turned in by the due date is late. In order to turn in
late work you must fill out a Late Assignment Form and attach it to the front
of the late assignment. No late work, regardless of the reason, will be
accepted without a Late Assignment Form completely filled out, signed and
attached to the front of the late assignment.
Name _Jared McKinley
Assignment Service Learning Reflective Summary Report
Date Submitted 12/1/15 Original Assignment Due Date 11/30/15
Check the appropriate statement and provide an explanation below if
needed:
Excused - because I am using my late assignment pass. This allows me to
hand in an assignment up to
one week late without penalty.

Late -

No excuse. I assume responsibility for turning in this assignment late,

aware that my grade will
be lowered by the total amount of points for this assignment;
however, I would like feedback so I
can better my assignment for my portfolio.
Other - If you have made special arrangements with me, please explain
below:
Directions for submitting The Late Assignment:
1. This Late Assignment Cover Page and the late assignment itself must be submitted as one
document.
2. A link has been created in the Late Assignment Folder (found under the Resources Tab) for
submission of this assignment.

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3. This Late Assignment must be submitted within one week of the assignment's original due
date.
4. The grade for this assignment will be located in the original column in the grade center.