Schools need to rethink their educational approach in order to cater for increasing student diversity in the classroom. The inclusive education model has emerged in response to this need, which encompasses practices such as learning communities and service-learning projects. In this study, we examined the perceptions of different education…

Strong family-teacher partnerships increase family engagement, promoting positive outcomes for children. Early childhood educators need knowledge, skills, and dispositions for establishing strong, meaningful partnerships with diverse families. This research investigated the impact of academic service-learning (ASL) on undergraduate students'…

This article provides a description of service learning implemented in a course entitled "Working with Socioculturally Diverse Families" for teacher education candidates (preK-grade 5). Students participated in 30 hours of service learning in which they provided support and service to diverse mentor families and implemented family events…

Service-learning strategies have been widely used to enhance learning experiences of youth and young adults. Participation in these strategies often results in increased school engagement, civic participation, and leadership activities. Although service-learning undertakings have typically been carried out with school-age and college students, the…

The purpose of this study was to conduct a longitudinal examination of the relationship between sustained after-school participation and a district's Early Warning Index associated with school dropout in a large urban school district. The study included 64,351 students participating between 2000-2001 and the 2011-2012 school years. Data were…

Service-learning strategies have been widely used to enhance learning experiences of youth and young adults. Participation in these strategies often results in increased school engagement, civic participation, and leadership activities. Although service-learning undertakings have typically been carried out with school-age and college students, the…

Colleges of education must instantiate their candidates' knowledge, skills, and dispositions for accreditation. Professors often have candidates reflect on field experience as a way to enhance their learning. This study examines reflections of 43 candidates over a 2-year period. Candidates engaged in an after-school enrichment program as…

Service learning is often used in teacher education as a way to challenge social bias and provide teacher candidates with skills needed to work in partnership with diverse families. Although some literature suggests that service learning could reinforce cultural bias, there is little documentation. In a study of 21 early childhood teacher…

Background: Service learning can enrich students' knowledge, skills and commitment to occupational goals while positively affecting communities. Undergraduate students in a course on obesity engaged in service learning by assisting with a family-based obesity prevention program, Getting Into Fitness Together (GIFT). Purpose: The impact of GIFT on…

Character includes the emotional, intellectual and moral qualities of a person or group as the demonstration of these qualities in prosocial behavior. Character education is an inclusive term encompassing all aspects of how schools, related social institutions and parents can support the positive character development of children and adults.…

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. University health and physical education programs have a unique opportunity to assist in childhood obesity prevention through service-learning programs. However, prior to the implementation of service-learning curricula, it is imperative to gain insight in the unique needs of the…