In recent decades, diverse field experiences have proliferated in university-based teacher education programs in the United States. In particular, community-based experiences where teacher candidates learn about, from, and with community members and spaces have increased in popularity and significance. In this article, the authors consider if and…

The purpose of this paper is to describe an educational partnership experience between rural retailers and graduate students in a Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles program. Students were afforded an opportunity to work with small business owners in rural communities, giving them real world exposure to the actual challenges being faced by…

Initial teacher education programs are continuously looking for ways to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of pre-service teachers (PSTs) who will face a diverse student population when they begin their careers. This study examines a short-term, cross-cultural, service-learning immersion undertaken by 21 undergraduate PSTs to an internally…

Service learning is an educational practice that bridges the gap between academics and the real world. Knowledge generated within educational institutions is offered to a community with the goal of strengthening student learning and increasing students' civic engagement. There is a pedagogical congruence between service learning, civic engagement,…

The present article discusses the importance of community-based field experiences as a feature of teacher education programs. Through a qualitative case study, prospective teachers' work with homeless youth in an after-school initiative is presented. Framing community-based field experiences in teacher education through "third space" theory, the…

This paper describes the structure, content and requirements of the service-learning component of first professional year pharmacy students. It also provides excerpts from student reaction logs describing their experiences. (Author)

Describes a student service-learning program in the Cumberland Mountains in southeastern Kentucky called Appalachian Leadership and Community Outreach (ALCOR). ALCOR provides various community services in 20 counties with six mountain colleges and private and public organizations. Several ALCOR colleges give academic credit for the ALCOR learning.…

Describes a study in which student teachers worked in community-based human service agencies in order to double their field experience hours. Surveys and interviews with students, agency personnel, and education faculty indicated that the experience fostered knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the university's promotion of democracy…

Describes community-connected learning, an approach where community members become teachers and mentors in their local schools. Highlights include examples of projects; use of technology, including the Web; project-based curriculum; understanding the importance of community-responsive organizations and volunteerism; internships at local…