Humanity of Teaching and Learning, (The): Scenarios of a Pedagogy of Compassion, Community, and Change

The following scenarios of three critical service-learning school experiences, propose a "shock therapy" (Postman & Weingartner, 1969, p. xv) to help revitalize and energize a tired system composed of far too many tired teachers, tired administrators, and exhausted students (Hatton, 2005; Meier, 2006; Palmer, 1998). Critical service-learning is a possible antidote in that, as the three scenarios share, its focus is on the humanity of teaching and learning. The human being in his/her wholeness is the core of the enterprise. The intent of the teaching and learning is the reciprocal dynamic between them, authentic connection among the teacher, student and larger community, and the redefined role of the teacher and student as cocreators of learning and change (personal, academic, and civic).