FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (continued)

What is service learning?

Service learning is a teaching method that connects classroom content and skills to authentic community needs. Service learning can be defined by what it does for young people. Through the process, students apply academic, social and personal skills to improve their community, they make decisions that have real results, develop as leaders, and increase civic participation. The IOGV experience honors youth voice and choice. Students determine the topics, how the stories will be collected, and how they will be told. By having students interview members in their community, conduct research, and write and illustrate for a public audience, they deepen and personalize their connections to the community while learning and strengthening their abilities

What are the curricular connections?

Writing and publishing a book of this kind can easily connect with many curricular areas and is meant to be a part of the academic process. In addition, the process supports 21st Century learning skills of problem solving, social responsibility and global awareness. See Curriculum.pdf. Please note this curriculum was designed as part of a larger program Strategies for Success with Literacy—A Learning Curriculum that Serves by Cathryn Berger Kaye. Information about this program is available at www.abcdbooks.org.

Can a book be written in a community-based setting?

Definitely. IOGV is a meaningful program that can be used with youth in all settings.

What age/grade level is this right for?

IOGV can be adapted to meet all ages and developmental abilities. Youth expression can take many forms, including, but not limited to, illustrations, photographs and essays. In the IOGV library we currently have submissions from grades 3-12, along with several by college students.

How much time is involved?

The program is designed on your terms. The amount of time required is based upon the venue you choose to create your book. Teachers have shared that IOGV has been integrated into their English/Language Arts or Social Studies curriculums, and also as a way to integrate all subject areas including English, social studies, science, math, technology, and more. In addition, books have been developed in an afterschool program and in nontraditional learning settings.


 


What is the local connection to IOGV?

In order to create an In Our Global Village book, students need extensive knowledge about one or many aspects of their community. Students may decide to model their chapters on the Awet Secondary School book. Students may select a different IOGV book from the website as a model, or come up with their own concept. A class may emphasize their environmental or civic studies and write a book from that perspective. The pages can represent an in-depth examination of any aspect of community that is authentic for the specific classroom curricula, or is an extension of any student led initiative. Students may also find many local avenues for sharing their good work. Note: Every global service-learning venture is strengthened through local action and vice versa.

Why go global?

By connecting with people in faraway places, students may:

  1. •Enhance critical thinking to extend beyond the familiar

  2. •Make abstract ideas concrete by putting real people in faraway places

  3. •Develop a worldview necessary to comprehend and meet global challenges

  4. •Recognize our interdependence


Is it possible to produce a book in a language other than English?

IOGV has international readership. Bilingual text—English and the native language of the students—is an outstanding way for students to learn about other languages.


Purchase information for In Our Village: Kambi ya Simba Through the Eyes of Its Youth

For single copies and bulk order discounts, go to www.abcd.books.org or contact info@nextgenerationpress.org.

All proceeds from In Our Village: Kambi ya Simba Through the Eyes of Its Youth fund student scholarships and educational supplies at Awet Secondary School. A special nonprofit, New Assets, Inc., works with Awet staff and students to select scholarship recipients and to identify and secure needed school supplies. To date, 14 Awet students have received two-year scholarships for post secondary school education.

Contact information

Cathryn Berger Kaye, CBK Associates, International Service Learning Consultants
cbkaye@aol.com | www.abcdbooks.org

Barbara Cervone, President, What Kids Can Do, Inc. | Next Generation Press
bcervone@whatkidscando.org | www.whatkidscando.org

Awet Secondary School
P.O. Box 215, Karatu, Tanzania

In Our Global Village: Local Action, Global Connections