Service Learning Pregame Pep Talk
Many of you will formally begin your PSL volunteer experience this week. Before we send you on your way, the instructors would like to share some thoughts on how service learning has affected them as students, parents, and teachers.
Professionalism
If you could stand in someone else's shoes, see what they see, hear what they hear, and feel what they feel, would you treat them differently? The first part of the lesson of professionalism challenges students to think about the importance of empathy when serving others.
Next, students will consider appropriate attire for volunteering. Over the years, the most common complaint from volunteer supervisors typically falls under the category of appropriate dress. The quotes from supervisors below capture some of this frustration. Unfortunately, given the diverse number of agencies that we serve, there is no standard dress code for PSL volunteers. However, a good rule of thumb is to see what your supervisor and other people in the organization are wearing and take your fashion cues from them. Remember, your evaluation is 25% of your grade.
"The student clicked with a few residents. She needs to dress more appropriately for our environment. But she is a pleasant young lady."
"It was very nice to have this student volunteer in the class for the entire year. She was very helpful in the classroom and asked great questions to become more helpful in the classroom. We did have to talk to her about her attire being professional and dress like a teacher. Maybe that would be a topic to discuss with students before they do their volunteer time. Which would be to dress like a box, no form fitting clothing. The students LOVED when she was here and they were very sad when she was sick and missed her during her spring break!"
"The student clicked with a few residents. She needs to dress more appropriately for our environment. But she is a pleasant young lady."
"It was very nice to have this student volunteer in the class for the entire year. She was very helpful in the classroom and asked great questions to become more helpful in the classroom. We did have to talk to her about her attire being professional and dress like a teacher. Maybe that would be a topic to discuss with students before they do their volunteer time. Which would be to dress like a box, no form fitting clothing. The students LOVED when she was here and they were very sad when she was sick and missed her during her spring break!"
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In class assignment...Directions: Complete the guide below during today's lesson on empathy and professional dress.
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