The authors describe a social approach to learning in community service learning that extends the contributions of three theoretical bodies of scholarship on learning: social constructionism, critical pedagogy, and community service learning. Building on the assumptions about learning described in each of these areas, engagement, identity, and…

In this article, I argue that the social studies methods course is an appropriate place to practice and reflect upon doing democracy. I review the literature on kinds of citizens the methods course might support. I consider pre-service teachers' prior and present experiences with doing democracy. I pose a framework for doing democracy centered on…

The purpose of the study reported in this paper was to develop a working definition of service-learning, identify the best practices of service-learning in the context of Christian colleges and universities and, based upon that information, develop a model for replication. The study undertaken included: (a) examination of the findings of…

Originating as counter normative pedagogies, both service-learning and critical pedagogies hold a common commitment to subvert and transform facets of school life that may alienate and oppress students. This article explores how critical pedagogies and service-learning might provide complementary benefits and become a more compelling emancipatory…

Its proponents argue that the important cognitive effect of service-learning is increasing political knowledge. In this article, I enumerate additional skills of political thinking relevant to a civically engaged service-learning curriculum in political science. These skills include helping students: 1) develop interest in politics, 2) learn what…

Middle school teachers are accountable for helping young adolescents master a daunting number of basic skills and concepts. On the other hand, they are also expected to help their students develop a social conscience during what is arguably the most egocentric stage of their social development. This article presents a service learning project that…

In this article, the author chronicles insights gained through transforming an introductory women's studies (WST) course at a large research university in the South and provides tips for incorporating students' academic majors and community service-learning (CSL) into a traditional WST foundation course. First, she discusses the disciplinary focus…

This qualitative study investigated perceptions of contemporary leaders regarding moral and ethical learning and the role of higher education. There were three steps in the data collection procedures: a survey of graduate students, open-ended interviews with the selected leaders, and document content analysis. Participants were asked whether they…

Using panel data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS), this study empirically analyzes the relationship between two forms of civic engagement--student government and community service--and educational progress made after the eighth grade by addressing the following questions. Does civic engagement affect academic progress…

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) convened the "Symposium on Business and the Liberal Arts: Integrating Professional and Liberal Education" in Chicago in May 2007 out of concern that the proportion of students graduating with degrees in the liberal arts has been declining as preprofessional and technical programs have expanded and the…

A Clemson University introductory landscape design class collaborated with South Carolina Botanical Gardens (SCBG) staff and coordinators of Sprouting Wings to design an exploratory Children's Garden within the SCBG. Service learning provides students with invaluable real-world experiences solving problems and interacting with clients while…

This article describes how early childhood teacher education faculty at one university responded in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and used the disaster to enhance their undergraduate and graduate programs. They explain how they modeled developmentally appropriate practices while responding to community needs. Four companion articles…

A theoretical model is developed for the process relatively privileged white students go through as they become more aware of their own socioeconomic and other advantages and come to terms with these within their community service learning placements. The model is supported with journal reflections from service-learners placed in inner-city…

The effects of service-learning on the academic attainment of rehabilitation services students were examined using a quasi-experimental design. One hundred and thirty senior rehabilitation services students enrolled in the medical aspects of disabilities course, 65 with service-learning and 65 with classroom-only instruction. The same instructor…

China is a key player on the global stage, and nearly 300 million Chinese youth stand to be affected by rapid social and ecological transformations. Programs that promote developmental assets in Chinese youth could increase their resilience in the face of contemporary stressors and enhance their capacity to contribute to China's development. In…