Examines the theoretical bases of academic service learning, with particular attention to John Dewey's contributions. Conceptualizes the service learning movement as part of an ongoing, and still unsuccessful, effort to "de-Platonize" and democratize American higher education in articular and American schooling in general. (Author/MSE)

Describes both principles and use of the critical incident journal, in which the student in a college-level academic service learning program details experiences that change his perspective. The format requires students to describe their roles in the incidents, analyze their own and others' responses to it, and reflect on its impact on self and…

Lists key resources for the field of service learning, including books, journals, and a World Wide Web site to help practitioners and researchers. Most citations are annotated. (MSE)

Using the example of an online service learning course, makes a case for the inclusion of service learning in higher education and the ability to do so seamlessly by using new communication technologies. (EV)

As a pedagogy for citizenship, academic service learning offers students the opportunity to experience and reflect on how citizens organize to bring their communities and their country closer to democracy. The three-course Democracy Project at Swarthmore College (Pennsylvania) illustrates how this approach can be developed within a college…

Suggests that service learning, as an innovative practice in college teaching, challenges faculty in complex ways and proposes a matrix to help conceptualize different focus areas in service learning (student, expertise, sponsor, or common good) and instructional concerns (values development, pedagogical strategies, academic culture, and community…

Discusses how critical multiculturalism can be used to inform academic service learning, offering as an example the case study of a Pennsylvania State University project in which college students work with homeless citizens in Washington, DC. Stresses the importance of intentionality in planning the community service components of academic service…

Participatory action research focuses on information and analyzes needs of society's most economically, politically, socially marginalized groups/communities, and pursues research on issues determined by their leaders. It provides faculty with opportunities to conduct research relevant to community needs while providing service learning…

Academic service learning contributes to the renewal and satisfaction of faculty, offers new opportunities to think more consciously and creatively about relationships (faculty/student, disciplinary/interdisciplinary knowledge, campus/community), presents opportunities to contribute to the field's development, and offers a vehicle to faculty,…

Explores the relationship between service learning and organizational commitment by examining the complexities of faculty and organizational culture, including administrative support, campus familiarity with course-based service, financial support, the nature of faculty involvement, and faculty work and rewards. Makes practical suggestions for…

Top issues in service learning research include how service learning enhances subject matter; defining expected outcomes; identifying the processes of effective service learning; faculty involvement; effect on educational institutions; institutional policies, practices supporting/enhancing service learning; nature of effective community…

Explores academic service learning as an innovative pedagogical model capable of transforming traditional teaching and learning practices. Notes that faculty undertaking this challenge can expect initial resistance from students, periodic self-doubt about their teaching accomplishments, and colleagues' skepticism, but also renewed student…