SPAN 301S: Service Learning in the Chicano / Latino Community
Course Description
This course is part of the Spanish language learning experience, and offers the opportunity to interact in a personal way with members of the local Latino community, thereby enriching the understanding of Hispanic cultures and the Spanish language. As a community-based learning experience, the course provides students with career-related experience working collaboratively with community agencies to address community concerns / issues.
[Prereq: (Junior or Senior Standing) and (SPAN 202) and (WLC Spanish Majors Only)]
[Prereq: (Junior or Senior Standing) and (SPAN 202) and (WLC Spanish Majors Only)]
Narrative
I did my service learning at the Gonzales Adult School in Gonzales, California where I assisted in the evening Citizenship and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Mrs. Mendoza was my supervisor and led the citizenship classes. Through her guidance, I learned that positive feedback makes a significant impact on a student’s confidence. She also introduced me to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website (USCIS) which has abundant resources to aid a student in becoming naturalized. One can find information on how to prepare for a naturalization interview, download an application, and print writing activities.
Ms. Garcia provided print outs of each ESL session so I helped students with translation, pronunciation and writing to enhance these areas. Ms. Garcia was very knowledgeable and implemented board games to make the lessons fun. I also employed the advice Mrs. Mendoza gave me about encouraging students in their learning process. I saw many smiling faces as they put complete sentences to express themselves in English.
Most of the students worked and had families and still came to class tired. Some students mentioned that their desire to become a U. S. citizen was to be able to vote and have a voice or simply wanted to learn English so they can defend themselves and others from some social injustice or a problem at their job. Others simply sought to communicate with their children or grandchildren. Whatever their purpose, the consensus was to prepare for a better life even when facing a social injustice. It was a pleasure to have met and worked with Mrs. Mendoza, Ms. Garcia and the class. I also learned from the students’ resiliency to improve their lives and those of others. It is always great to be able to give back but it was even more rewarding to have been able to serve in my own community.
Ms. Garcia provided print outs of each ESL session so I helped students with translation, pronunciation and writing to enhance these areas. Ms. Garcia was very knowledgeable and implemented board games to make the lessons fun. I also employed the advice Mrs. Mendoza gave me about encouraging students in their learning process. I saw many smiling faces as they put complete sentences to express themselves in English.
Most of the students worked and had families and still came to class tired. Some students mentioned that their desire to become a U. S. citizen was to be able to vote and have a voice or simply wanted to learn English so they can defend themselves and others from some social injustice or a problem at their job. Others simply sought to communicate with their children or grandchildren. Whatever their purpose, the consensus was to prepare for a better life even when facing a social injustice. It was a pleasure to have met and worked with Mrs. Mendoza, Ms. Garcia and the class. I also learned from the students’ resiliency to improve their lives and those of others. It is always great to be able to give back but it was even more rewarding to have been able to serve in my own community.
Presentation PDF