Explores "service" as a continuum from charity to social change, and describes implications for service-learning in higher education. Based on a review of alternative theories, a student survey (n=83), and interviews with five practitioners, argues that there exist related but distinct community service models (charity, project, social change),…

Responds to the argument that service-learning must be supported by a theory of knowledge--antifoundational pragmatism--holding that this characterization of the pragmatist model retains the dualism seen as a fault of traditional epistemology. Suggests a remedy, and then extends the original argument by setting more restrictive limits on the range…

Argues that service-learning practitioners have much to learn from previous struggles within higher education, particularly the history of extension programs during the progressive era (1908 to 1910). In view of this history, it is proposed that service-learning programs will have a difficult time in their current efforts to convert universities…

Describes and critiques the theory of knowledge that undergirds conventional pedagogy in higher education. Pragmatism is suggested as an alternative epistemology to illuminate the contextual nature of knowledge and affirm community, diversity, and engagement as pedagogical virtues. Comments on the significance and limitations of philosophical…

A study based on data from 1,500 students at 20 colleges and universities found that students who combined community service and academic study (service learning) differed from those who did not, in their target attitudes, skills, values, and understanding of social issues. Participation in service learning had an impact on these outcomes over the…

Impact of introducing service-learning in a Providence College (Rhode Island) public policy course was measured in terms of student attitude and value change and student learning. Results indicate no significant impact on student attitudes, despite perceptions of both instructor and students that instructional quality was enhanced. Possible…

Describes development of the first community service-learning program for democratic education in South Africa, based on the Swarthmore College (Pennsylvania) Democracy Education Project at a black high school near Capetown (South Africa). Notes that successful transposition of the model requires recognition of complex historical and cultural…

Discusses whether community and public service efforts enhance a university's academic mission or whether they are misplaced efforts to heal sagging social conscience. Explores related issues and urges practitioners to commit to scholarly documentation of outcomes for students who participate in community service and service-learning. (Author/MSE)

A study examined how five colleges and universities with stated commitments to public service incorporate volunteerism and service-learning into organizational structures. Results suggest that institutions that make centralized decisions and share governance are more apt to institutionalize service-learning than are more loosely coupled systems.…