Service learning is a new pedagogical approach that has not been comprehensively appraised compared to customary teaching approaches. Service learning entails learning concepts in class, volunteering with non-profit or social service assemblages, and engaging in reflective undertakings to broaden the understanding of concepts taught in class. The…

This dissertation is an invitation into our beloved biology classroom. Weaving hermeneutic phenomenology and critical participatory teacher action research, this study investigated self as teacher and two cohorts of student participants in a high school biology experience utilizing an 'Aina Aloha praxis. Articulating my ongoing 'Aina Aloha praxis,…

"Current research in the United States has found only a small percentage of adolescents have developed a sense of purpose. This dissertation investigates how a 2-year 11th and 12th-grade residential multicultural values-based experiential program influences adolescents' sense of purpose. The participants for this research included 2023…

The objective of this study was to better understand what aspects of place and curriculum influence experiences for underserved youth in an environmental education program. For instance, how can environmental education managers create program experiences that maintain depth and focus, while honoring the unique ways students connect and find…

This qualitative study addressed the formation of student identity (servant and civic) as well as how students formed community through experiencing difference in a service-learning classroom. An interpretive qualitative study of five high school students was conducted in a service-learning program at Willow Falls High School, a public high school…

Classic grounded theory design allowed the researcher to discover a theory, educator edification, within the phenomenon of service learning. Service learning is a community based learning opportunity that is reciprocally beneficial to the student and community. Student outcomes range from gaining self-worth and motivation to becoming civic minded…

Teachers are looking for meaningful ways to connect with students and instill in them an understanding and appreciation for academic content that will extend beyond the classroom. Service-learning is a teaching pedagogy that connects classroom content with real-world problems that allow students to practice applying knowledge and skills while…

As school districts and communities struggle to increase civic engagement for their students, a medium-sized suburban school district implemented required community service hours as part of their high school graduation requirements. The purpose of this qualitative program evaluation was to investigate how the community service program was meeting…

Undergraduate science and engineering institutions are currently attempting to improve recruiting practices and to retain engineering majors by addressing what many studies document as the major challenges of poor instruction. Service is described as experimental learning through the integration of traditional classroom teaching with structured…

The practice of service-learning is growing. However, service-learning activities seldom involve high school students with moderate mental disabilities working with peers without disabilities. The purpose of this case study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of personnel who work in partnership with students with disabilities and…

In this study I sought to understand the complexities of the processes of reciprocity within a theater for social change service-learning project. My sample included three university students, one university faculty member, four high school students, one high school principal, and one high school teacher. As a participant- observer, I conducted an…

The purpose of the study is to determine student views of the influence of the Eco Education Urban Stewards program's impact on their involvement in community environmental initiatives. Eco Education is a non-profit organization in St. Paul that facilitates an urban, environmental, year-long science curriculum delivered in middle schools in…

This qualitative, grounded theory study focused on the perspectives of high school seniors, college freshmen, and working young adults in Orange County, California, to create a useful and practical theory about high school students' civic participation as it relates to students' enrollment in postsecondary education. Data collection consisted of…

The concept of civic-efficacy, as well as its role in post-school outcomes for high school students with disabilities is explored. Service-learning is introduced as a possible intervention for improving the civic-efficacy of high school students with disabilities. The existing literature regarding civic engagement, service-learning, and students…

Interest in whether real-world problems or a service learning context increases students' academic performance and intent to find careers in engineering is gaining momentum. The belief that diverse student populations resonate with the idea that "engineers can contribute to improving society" is found throughout the literature,…