Universal Robot Reflections Service Learning - 1024 Words

Real Robot Reflections: Service-Learning STEM Students The robot service learning will be my first ever real service learning as it encompasses the entire definition of service learning that we discussed and read in class. As we discussed in class, service learning differs from volunteering in the addition of instruction and reflection. In my previous experienced I have volunteered at many places, most notably as an organizer for a children s religious competition. My main role was working on web presence and technological assistance as well as organizing my own social media competition. Something I noticed from this prior experience was the effects of service learning that we read in Eyler et al 2001. I have seen benefits of service†¦show more content†¦The major difference between my prior experience in service learning and this course is the addition of the in-class course activities and readings . Most of the coursework material was useful and informative although I needed more information on student management skills. The c oursework on STEM education and STEM numbers was very informative. I had seen statistics on STEM before but had not considered the reasons for the STEM crisis such as the STEM myth and education. I enjoyed the in class activities in groups where we discussed the definition of service learning, STEM and other words or phrases which we normally do not consider the connotation of. I think the group activities worked well since it made us think about ideas and concisely present them on the board. The reading discussions had a similar effect through writing a short post. The Mauch(2001) and the Eyler et al (2001) were the most informative readings. The Mauch reading was interesting it explored the use of robotics in problem solving. It not only provided a lesson plan idea it also illustrated how it was useful. This felt like it validated the robots class as it shows the broader effect of learning robotics in problem solving. Although the lesson plan did not seem applicable to my students age group, it did have many interesting ideas. The Eyler was also informative as it showed trends that I would not have noticed without the reading. I think it would have been better to read Eyler