STUDENT-DRIVEN SERVICE AS ACTION LITTLE FEMINISTS MODEL
Susan Min The Franconian International School
S
ervice as Action is an important and critical
When initiatives come from students it demonstrates
focus for schools implementing the IB MYP
that, “...when they care about the subject matter and
Programme as it directly connects to many school
have authenticated a need, students discover intrinsic
mission and vision statements. This element of the MYP
motivation,� (Kaye, 2013). Through Service as Action, as
aims to aid students in developing as global citizens
well as various other service learning programmes,
through thoughtful engagement in both local and global
students are able to make contributions to the world
communities (MYP, 2014).
around them. They create connections to issues that matter to them and thus are able to transfer skills learned
While Service as Action can take a variety of forms; such
throughout their lives to real experiences. When going
as being driven by the curriculum as a unit of inquiry,
through the Stages of Service Learning, students are able to
or a teacher led project that involves an entire class.
discover and investigate a need on a deeper level, develop
However, from a personal point of view, Service as Action
organisational and research skills through preparation,
manifesting itself through student driven initiative is a
build perspective through action, and reflection allows
true representation of the goals of international schools
for connection, an increase in self-awareness, as well
around the world, as well as student development towards
as developing plans for the future (Kaye, 2012). The
becoming civically engaged, global citizens.
creation of an extracurricular club, The Little Feminists, at the Franconian International School (FIS) is Service as Action at one of its finest points.
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