In modern and well-structured universities, ethics centers are playing a key role in hosting, organizing, and managing activities to enrich and guide students' ethical thinking and analysis. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of the goals, activities, and administration of ethics centers, as well as their role in promoting ethical thinking…

Culminating projects offer a sharp contrast to predominant practice in civics education. Although many schools require students to volunteer for a certain numbers of hours, most leave it up to the student to find a broadly defined "community application" of their learning, and students seldom inform their action with rigorous research.…

Service learning is positioned at the intersection of two major concerns of education: the balance between active and traditional learning and the axis of public and private sectors. As such, it can be used to address a variety of educational issues, including instructional strategy, undergraduate research, diversity, civic and social…

A model for developing a spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility among students on a college campus is outlined. The model incorporates five phases of student development that accompany community service participation. Suggestions are made for implementing such a model effectively within the student affairs function. (MSE)

A review of literature on service learning in higher education suggests ways in which colleges and universities can support faculty's involvement in this approach to education. Issues discussed include recruitment of faculty to teach service courses, barriers and inhibitors to teacher motivation, faculty development strategies, and changes in…

Asserts that community service-learning holds the potential to enhance the sociology curriculum. Contends that the programs are not implemented easily and difficulties arise trying to integrate academic content with the community experience. Describes a community service-learning course, discusses typical problems, and suggests solutions. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the impact of service learning on the moral development of 70 undergraduate students. Finds that those with service learning experience showed a significantly higher rate of growth on a moral development measure than those who did not participate. Makes recommendations for further research. (CFR)

Discusses the history of U.S. community service programs and asserts that the potential benefits for students include increased self-esteem, enhanced motivation and interest in school, improved academic achievement, and increased social responsibility. Includes a list of six curriculum resources and a bibliography. (CFR)

Results of the Black Metropolis Model (BMM) of service learning are analyzed and illustrated in this article to explain how to "put the learning in service learning." There are many soup kitchens or nontransforming models of service learning where students are asked to serve needy populations but internalize and learn little about the…

Strategies for building the connection between an urban university and the surrounding community through a service learning program are discussed, drawing on the experience of the Shriver Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus. Issues addressed include consideration of program form and function, faculty involvement, and…

Service learning programs, which combine practical volunteer community service experience with traditional academic study, are cost effective and meaningful alternatives to college activities programing. Such programs increase learning options, are good public relations, can involve faculty and departments, and attract a wider variety of students…

The College Park Scholars Program at the University of Maryland is a learning community, based on the model of a residential college, that was designed to attract and retain academically talented undergraduates. Three experiential learning components developed by faculty for the curriculum are colloquia, service learning units, and discovery…

Examines issues in the development of campus programming for distance learners, including creating effective orientation programs, promoting participation in student government and student organizations, providing service learning opportunities, and offering wellness and recreational sports opportunities. (MSE)

The purpose of this article is to present empirical evidence suggesting the potential benefits of systematically utilizing general education as the institutional foundation for an integrated, multidisciplinary learning environment expressly dedicated to the promotion of civic engagement. Recently, the authors conducted an assessment of student…

Considers the arguments advanced for an expansion of academic programs incorporating service learning. Briefly describes several programs in relation to the validity of these arguments. Suggests that geography could benefit from incorporating elements of service learning in order to enhance its treatment of ethical issues. (MJP)