The purpose of this paper is to examine different facets of trust in the political system or civic realm and how they are correlated to the expected civic or political engagement of young people. The nature and effects of trust in social and political institutions have been studied in adults, distinguishing between various types of trust (in…

Examines feasible outcomes and practical limitations of service learning as an approach for increasing the involvement of students in providing services to older persons. Based on findings from a national demonstration project, types of services students can perform are described and various types of service learning are explored. (Author/JAC)

Compares and contrasts three approaches to community service: charity, service learning, and citizen leader. Advocates using the citizen leader framework because it educates students for leadership and emphasizes reciprocal learning for all involved. Claims that this framework complements the goals of institutions of higher education. (RJM)

Describes the development of service learning in a special school for students with learning, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Discusses the poor self-image that many troubled youth possess and suggest ways to help students refocus on their good qualities through service work. Outlines service partnerships and a service culture. (RJM)

Argues that the current U.S. educational system helps perpetuate some social problems; at the heart of this situation are beliefs held about the role of higher education in the larger society. Proposes that service learning as a powerful tool for colleges, both to address social problems and to strengthen experiential learning, which is central to…

A study examined the impact of the Corporation for National Service's Learn and Serve America Higher Education program, a service learning consortium, on 3,540 students from 42 participating colleges and universities, focusing on three areas of student development: civic responsibility, academic development, and life skills. Course-based service,…

John Dewey's "Democracy and Education" suggests an approach to civic education using techniques commonly adopted in today's undergraduate education, including community service, problem solving, and collaborative learning. Community service is an important way to foster civic engagement in young Americans. If American higher education is…

Stone Soup Partnership is a collaboration between California State University at Fresno and its surrounding community to address serious problems in a high-crime, impoverished apartment complex near the university. The program involves students in service learning for university credit, and has expanded from a single summer youth program to a…

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…

Service-learning is used least often in the fields at the core of the liberal arts and sciences, in part because of the perceived incompatibility between the purposes of a liberal education and the dynamics of service-learning. When we understand better the purposes and values of liberal learning, we will find service-learning a useful pedagogy…

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…

Higher education is challenged to provide greater accountability, cost reduction, and collegial inclusivity. Olivet College has created a model for institutional transformation through a cost-effective service-learning program based on character education. Olivet's redesigned curricular and cocurricular offerings help students discover ways to…

Describes the current interest and activity in community service and the undergraduate educational experience. Argues that recognition by faculty, administrators, and agency officials is necessary to ensure that community service projects successfully combine service with learning. Offers recommendations for implementing a program that cultivates…

Weaves into the adolescent concept of community those Montessori ideas related to laws of human personality, nature, and society. Examines components of Montessori practice and theory, including the importance of work, the prepared environment, social cohesion, the imagination, and the absorbent mind by linking early childhood and adolescence.…

For six weeks, 25 Connecticut seventh graders interviewed senior citizens from a nearby assisted-independent-living facility. By celebrating their senior partners' life experiences, students formulated a better understanding of major events in 20th century American history. During the fifth and sixth weeks, students shared something from their own…