As interest in service-learning increases, there is a concomitant need for a theoretical base for it. Reviews aspects of John Dewey's educational and social philosophy relevant to the development service-learning theory, including learning from experience, reflective thinking, citizenship, community, and democracy. A series of key questions for…

Identifies five specific areas in which John Dewey's writings contribute to service-learning: linking education to experience; democratic community; social service; reflective inquiry; and education for social transformation. Argues that these contributions form the basis of a cultural and political critique and reconceptualized pedagogy aimed at…

Discusses rejuvenation of the campus community service movement and its potential to explore the meaning of citizenship in a democracy. Argues that civic education should be an integral part of a liberal education and that community service can help prepare students for citizenship. A Rutgers University (New Jersey) program illustrates how service…

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…

Outlines one Albion College (Michigan) faculty member's suggestions for encouraging faculty involvement in service-learning, drawing on his personal journey from traditional pedagogy to one that embraces service-learning. Guidelines focus on providing support and opportunity for faculty to make connections between community service and scholarship…

The annotated bibliography cites books and journal articles on civic education and civic literacy (six items) and service-learning, values education, and the language arts (seven items). The items cited are relevant to a course in civic commitment in the United States, taught at Michigan State University in combination with service-learning…

A recent study revealed that the theme of civic responsibility/civic participation/citizenship is the most frequently articulated intended student outcome of service-learning at the national policy level. In contrast, college students, faculty, staff, and administrators barely mentioned notions of citizenship in describing outcomes of…

Describes creation and implementation of a college service-learning course on "Nonviolence, Peace and Community" in response to local social conflict. The facilitators attempted to create the course from the community, using community participation, collaborative self-directed learning, a Socratic approach to group discussion, and an…

The Service Learning Writing Project at Michigan State University links service-learning and writing instruction. Students read and discuss American literary and historical texts, write academic analyses of ideas, and practice peer editing and revision in small workshops, while working in service placements in community and nonprofit…