Purpose-centered learning, which requires students to use their studies to address challenges they identify in their community, is effective in all types of schools and with diverse students. The system can generally be implemented simply by reallocating existing resources and rethinking traditional approaches. Purpose-centered education connects…

Focuses on the women's studies program at Kansas City (Kansas) Community College. Discusses the use of guest speakers and service learning in women's studies in order to connect theory with praxis. Addresses the logistics of service learning and the opportunity for the faculty to perform part-time work in the community. (CMK)

Believes that elementary social studies teachers should use local museums as resources for educating their students. Contends that preservice teachers should receive some type of experience in a museum setting. Describes the experience of preservice teachers at Baylor University's (Texas) field-based practicum at a children's museum. (CMK)

Discusses a thematic approach that can be used to integrate service learning into the introductory sociology curriculum. Describes the different institutional contexts that may influence its effectiveness, the course content and objectives, the service-learning component, use of themes, and student outcomes. (CMK)

Provides background information on the topic of service learning and discusses the two variations of service learning: (1) providing charitable services; and (2) engaging students in political organizing and social advocacy. Focuses on the Westside Outreach Center and the Urban Citizen Project at the University of Colorado (Denver). (CMK)

Discusses the theoretical context for service learning and the differences between service learning and community service. Examines research on effective service learning that emphasizes connections to political science content, are of a longer duration, and provide opportunities for reflection. States that the research on service learning raises…

Carter reviews changes in the workplace and in campus recruitment procedures that affect student job placement and describes the University of Missouri's job development program (cooperative education, internships, part-time work, work study, service learning, and volunteering). Franta expands on service learning's effect on career development.…

A model for developing a spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility among students on a college campus is outlined. The model incorporates five phases of student development that accompany community service participation. Suggestions are made for implementing such a model effectively within the student affairs function. (MSE)

From making holiday decorations for a local nursing home to serving food at a homeless shelter, students at Friends Academy in upstate New York participate in service activities designed to match their level of social awareness. Maurice Howard's sidebar shows how Maryland high schoolers participate in a state-mandated service-learning program that…

Investigated effects of characteristics of service-learning experiences on development of undergraduates. Participants (n=48) in service-learning courses and control students (n=48) wrote pre- and postresponses to social problems. Service-learning students made significant gains on certain cognitive dimensions and had significant increases in…

Discusses service learning (learning that combines public service with related academic work) and service learning projects in an undergraduate course on mass communication and society. Finds that it is an effective means of teaching that increases student understanding of complex material. (SR)

Discusses the benefits for students and communities of service-learning experiences. Briefly describes student efforts to formulate and solve community problems as part of the Expeditionary Learning project (Massachusetts), which calls on adults and students to embark on experiential learning "expeditions" to renew themselves as…

Describes development and integration of service learning in the curriculum of the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) School of Pharmacy, beginning with co-curricular service-learning opportunities and leading to further curriculum development and a service requirement for doctoral students. Concludes that, despite demands on faculty…

Faculty development in the pedagogy of service-learning is essential to the knowledgeable and sustained implementation of combined community service and academic study. A semester-long faculty-development seminar at Eastern Michigan University using small group interaction is described. The program achieved both cognitive and affective gains and a…

Analyses of 22 reflection journals of students enrolled in a service-learning-based child-development course at Connecticut College revealed 85 themes. Themes concerning initial adjustments and rapport building, setting limits on child behavior, and closure issues are discussed and accompanied with journal excerpts. Sharing these reflections with…