Description of project:
Based on their knowledge of current federal programs that date back to the New Deal, students will write a letter to a member of Congress suggesting a change or asking that a program not be changed. Examples would include: minimum wage, social security, over time pay, federal protections for unions, regulating on the scale of stocks and bonds, and farm subsidies.
http://www.servicelearning.org/slice/index.php?ep_action=view&ep_id=255
First, students will decide which federal programs that date to the New Deal still exist today and find one they wish to write about. They will do research about any proposed changes to the current policy and write a letter to their member of Congress either criticizing a proposed change or suggesting a change in the program. After the students send their letters, they will write a reflective essay about why it is important for young people to be involved with their government and speculate on the possible response they may receive.
I really like how the benefits of this service learning project mirrored those from our concept map. This activity encourages students' critical thinking skills as it asks students to research and analyze policy changes to government programs. Because they have to consider the positive and negative consequences legislation changes can have upon society, the student develops the skills of thinking like a social scientist. Also, this project removes teacher bias because the students are doing the research and making the decision about which program to choose.
The students are being asked to give advice to Congress about certain changes in policy and I can see how this project may be difficult for a student who struggles with reading and writing. Also, without relevant background knowledge, the student may not understand why these programs exist and how they affect society. Additionally, the teacher's role is unclear in the description of this project. This assignment is extremely student dependent and it may be overwhelming for struggling students. However, since the students are working independently, the teacher will be able to assist those who may be struggling with making a decision or who may not know where to find appropriate sources. The teacher should take this opportunity to teach a lesson on professional writing techniques.
When practicing this project, it would be best to have students do the majority of the work. By allowing a considerable amount of freedom in choosing what to write about, the students are able to choose a topic that genuinely piques their interest. This project exemplifies what a good lesson should be as it encourages exactly what we want to cultivate in our students: critical thinking coupled with a sense of civic duty.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree there's some danger in the material being too dense for students. Most government programs are nuanced and not simple to describe to students. Similarly, many proposals in Congress are convoluted and use specific technical language.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in reading the lesson plan, it was unclear whether or not students were meant to propose their own changes or address proposals already existing in Congress.
Overall, this lesson plan provides a number of opportunities for students to integrate what they learn in the social studies classroom to their communities.
I also think there's additional room to discuss how Congress modifies existing laws, how people mobilize to address their government officials, and how to read government policies in a critical manner.
This project will allow students to be more engaged in the classroom because they will have the opportunity to practice their civil duties as American citizens or residents. Students will recognize the importance of voicing their opinions and concerns to Congress and recognize the amount of power that Americans are given yet fail to take advantage of.
ReplyDeleteThis project would be more effective and meaningful to students if their allowed to write about a law or problem that their personally concern about such as, education, health care, or immigration laws. Students may not find any of the issues to be relevant to their lives. Therefore, they may find the activity to be useless and only do the required work as oppose to putting their all into the essay.
This is a great concept. I think students would get really into this if they knew the state legislators would be looking at their work. hopefully the legislators wouldn't get mad about a huge influx of suggestions from children....anyway its good to be critical of any government plan, especially one as influential as the new deal. this shows kids that even plans that seem successful are not beyond improvement.
ReplyDelete