Service learning is one of the most effective teaching methods for engaging and retaining community college students, but it comes with its challenges. For many students, the added requirements of a service learning experience can become one more responsibility in an already too-long list. In addition to being responsible for children, holding…

Contends that service learning--community service linked to academic courses--adds a valuable experiential dimension to composition classes. Describes service learning at Raritan Valley Community College where in composition it fits as an optional alternative for the research paper assignment that is the culminating course project. Discusses how…

This study of students and service learning at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Overpark, Kansas, was part of an overall evaluation process of the service-learning program at the college. In the spring of 2000, surveys were mailed to 2,390 current and former students who had participated in a least one course of service learning (or in…

This qualitative study was conducted to explore student perceptions of service learning as well as the importance of service learning to community college students. Data were collected through interviews with 24 community college participants from Virginia Highlands Community College and Mountain Empire Community College, both in southwest…

This digest discusses service learning programs on community college campuses. Service learning integrates community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Projects can range from brief, one-time-only experiences to a student commitment of 15 or more hours during a semester.…

This study's purpose was to increase student and teacher motivation by providing students the opportunity to engage in the problem-solving process and solve student-identified campus or community problems while achieving the competencies of the Small Group Communication course at the community college. The researcher integrated two pedagogies:…

Argues that students benefit from a combined emphasis in general education on interdisciplinarity, civic responsibility, service learning, and writing. Describes an epidemics and AIDS course as a model for students wishing to enter the discourse and debates of society. (Contains 31 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Describes Collin County Community College's (CCCC) (Texas) attempt to address the issue of civic disengagement by pairing scholarship with service-learning programs. Institutional research data reflect increased student retention and success in these classes, a climate of increased communication and objectivity, practical experience in community…

Provides an overview of service learning: definitions, reasons for including service learning as an instructional strategy, ways to maintain academic vigor, grading principles, risks and rewards, and adaptability. Includes students' written comments, details on Northern Virginia Community College's widespread use of service learning in 18…

This report examines the impact on students in the field of environmental studies. The study looked at how environmental studies courses and programs, which present biogeochemical facts to inform students of current problems and issues in the state of the planet, could change student attitude and behavior in relation to both the discipline of…

The fourfold purpose of this study was to determine if student attitudes toward community service, student attitudes toward civic involvement, student attitudes about life skills, and student attitudes toward civic engagement and service learning differed based on enrollment in a course with a service learning component or enrollment in a course…

This issue paper discusses service learning in the community college and lists three major cultural values that, in the past, shaped college missions: (1) civic participation--preparing students for effective participation in community life; (2) extending educational opportunity--offering all Americans a low-cost education near their homes; and…

Highlights the rationale for and outcomes of integrating service learning into two public speaking courses. States that service learning enlarged the classrooms and created a wealth of communication examples and opportunities. Judges the success of this pilot experience on five criteria: community voice, orientation and training, meaningful…

This paper discusses three forms of community connections: service learning, partnerships, and public service, and offers an overview of the current service-learning movement in community colleges. It argues that, in order for community colleges to fulfill their missions, they must embrace the full implication of the having "community" in their…

This document from Campus Compact aims to present information regarding the newest and best resources for service learning. In addition, the document excerpts, from various sources, definitions of service learning and program characteristics of effective service learning. Definitions of service learning include the following: A teaching method…