Altruism and Service Learning? | Elizabeth Alwi | TEDxYouth@BSJ

TL;DR

This content discusses the concept of altruism, its importance in education, and how it is cultivated in students.

Transcript

at the beginning of every Academic Year we have the the international Balor diploma program introduction where our students are introduced to Cass which is creativity activity and service we also do service learning as well at that stage the students are very concerned about what they have to do they explore whether there are easier ways around whe... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🏭 Altruism is the motivation to help others and can be driven by various internal factors, such as internal values and the desire for happiness.
• 🤳 Service learning programs can help students shift their focus from self to others and develop intrinsic motivation.
• 🧑‍🎓 It takes time and consistent interactions for students to understand the depth of their relationships and the impact they can make.
• 🧑‍🎓 Modeling altruistic behavior in families can significantly influence students' understanding and engagement in service activities.
• 👾 Programs like the TEDx Youth event and simulation games contribute to empathy development and foster relationships among students from different backgrounds.
• 👯 The impact of service learning programs can be measured through emotional and empathic responses as well as an understanding of other people's perspectives.
• 🖐️ Educators play a crucial role in helping students develop altruistic character traits and goals.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is altruism?

Altruism is the motivation to help others, driven by internal values, the desire to feel happy, or the need to alleviate discomfort.

Q: What is the empathy-altruism model?

The empathy-altruism model proposes that altruistic behavior is motivated by the goal of increasing another person's welfare. It is a teachable concept that can be developed in students.

Q: How does service learning impact students' understanding of altruism?

Service learning programs, like the one tested by Marshall in North Carolina, help students move beyond self-focus and develop an understanding of reciprocal relationships. It takes time and interactions for students to feel intrinsic motivation and recognize their ability to make a change.

Q: How does modeling play a role in developing altruism?

Modeling, especially in families, plays a significant role in developing altruistic behavior. Students who come from families that prioritize service are more likely to understand and engage in altruistic actions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker introduces the International Balor Diploma Program and the importance of creativity, activity, and service. Students often wonder why they have to engage in these activities for 18 months.

• Altruism is the motivation to help others, and different theories explain the reasons behind it. Examples of service learning programs and their impact on students' understanding and motivation are discussed.

• British School Jakarta has a service program that requires students to engage for up to 18 months. It takes about six to seven interactions for students to develop intrinsic motivation and understand the depth of their relationships with the community.