Blog 5 In-Service Reflection

Our CBL project has made significant strides. We decided to use Facebook groups as

the platform. Its user-friendliness and widespread accessibility made it an obvious pick. To

ensure no one is left behind, we already chose a simple yet comprehensive user guide tutorial,

helping those unfamiliar with this platform navigate with ease. We also brainstormed and

finalized an array of topics for salon-style conversations, designed to stir curiosity and foster

deep discussions. Additionally, we devised an innovative task for students to write recipes,

concentrating on the meticulous details of step-by-step processes and ingredients. This

activity isn't just about cooking; it's about learning and sharing cultural narratives.

The principle of "backward design" has been pivotal; I first considered the

community's needs before shaping the project's activities. This approach ensures that my

initiatives are not just educational but also profoundly relevant and engaging. I view the

project as I would a class, with a strong emphasis on student-centered learning. I aimed to

make community members the focal point of this project, thereby boosting their motivation

and involvement. The concept of “authentic materials” from my Practice Teaching course

inspired me to choose topics that mirror the everyday experiences of our community

members, enhancing the relatability of the salon-style conversations. Furthermore, guided by

the course's teachings in differentiated classrooms, I prioritized understanding each student,

shaping our project collaboratively based on their individual feedback and needs.

My service learning has been a journey of understanding the real-life constraints of

our community members. I recognized the struggle of young mothers to attend classes in

person, highlighting the need for online/hybrid options to participate. This can empower these

women, allowing them to balance participating in our project with home responsibilities,

which demonstrates our commitment to adapting to and addressing the often-overlooked

needs of our community.