Student Activism
In this mini-course, we learn what student activism looks like, why it is important to teach the knowledge and skills of social action, and ways to include activism in practice that gives students more purpose and ownership in their learning and volunteerism.
After completing this course (about 45 minutes), the learner is prompted to take a four-question quiz based on the content. Upon successful completion of this quiz, the learner may request a certificate suitable for a professional development portfolio, or as proof of .75 educational clock hours that can be used toward continuing education credit in most states. Please contact your State Department of Education or school district for specific information. Documentation of the completed courses and copies of the certificate are stored under "My Account" of the Learning to Give website where the learner may access (and print) them at any time.
The learner will be able to
- define activism.
- give examples of diverse ways to be a youth activist.
- identify the benefits to students and the school of learning about activism and philanthropy.
- locate resources for teaching skills and knowledge of taking action for the common good.
- infuse themes of social action into all subjects and the school calendar.
Children are born with the desire to help, and we can either nurture it or let it fade. Activism is taking action for the common good and spreading awareness about issues one cares about in order to influence change. This is a natural way for children and youth to learn the skills of volunteerism and the practice of lifelong civic engagement. Experiences with activism teach them they are capable of making a difference and their voice matters. In this section we examine ways children and youth can take action safely and effectively.
With all the expectations on teachers and the limited number of hours in the classroom, why should we teach activism? This section explores the purpose of teaching activism and the science of giving. We know that students are more engaged and do better when their learning has purpose, and activism provides that purpose while preparing youth for a lifetime of skills and motivation to be good citizens.
Teaching activism starts with making young people aware that there are things they can do to make the world a better place. Activism and philanthropy instruction can fit into all academic areas and calendar events. This section gives some tips and tools for teaching activism.
This quiz has four multiple-choice questions based on the mini-course "Stuent Activism." If you answer 75 percent correctly, you will have the opportunity to download a personalized certificate. You may revisit the course and retake the quiz, if desired. There is an additional open-ended...