The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a university's freshman year community-based service-learning experience on the achievement of standards articulated for teacher candidates. Standards assessed included knowledge of community-based resources, demonstration of reflective processes, and recognition of the importance of…

WorkReady programs offer young Philadelphians not only their first job, but skills for success. Young people who work during high school often master valuable skills that can help them do better in high school and college; learn new things that open their eyes to career possibilities; and earn more money later in life. When young people learn how…

Many researchers have explored faculty engagement in service-learning. However, scholarship rarely considers ways in which the discourses used by faculty to describe service-learning--the stories they tell about what it is they are doing and why--construct images of subject positions, problems, and solutions that inform our beliefs about…

Fun & Fit is a program designed to create positive physical activity experiences and to promote healthy lifestyle choices among overweight children from low-income African American and Hispanic American families. The program is a collaborative project between Texas Tech University and the Lubbock Independent School District funded through a…

This paper describes how the Input-Environment-Outcome (IEO) model of A. Astin can be used with the Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) Freshman Survey and the College Student Survey (CSS) to assess student change during college. The CIRP Freshman Survey, given to entering students, provides pretest data. The CSS, given to continuing…

This paper explores the ways liberal arts colleges and universities can conceptualize and design next generation service and learning programs that give more considered attention to the service dimension. A Service and Learning typology suggests four variations found on many campuses in which service and learning have some relationship: (1)…

Democratic classrooms are those in which the curriculum actively engages students in collaborative inquiry, decision making is shared between students and staff, and students choose their daily activities. Compared with traditional classrooms, students in democratic classrooms take more ownership of and responsibility for their own learning.…

The Presidents' Summit for America's Future set goals that can be addressed by service learning. Community educators can participate by organizing grassroots efforts, linking community groups with student volunteers, getting involved with AmeriCorps, becoming community coaches, and participating in America Reads. (SK)

Research findings indicate the importance of (1) engaging all students in service; (2) building organizational commitment to service learning; (3) supporting community groups in youth service activities; and (4) encouraging service activities that link community and curriculum. (SK)

This introduction provides a summary of the various articles presented in this issue that pertain to current issues and lessons learned from service learning practices. This article also addresses many of the criticisms of service learning. This article also suggests further areas of research that need to be addressed. (SWM)

Explores a service-learning program at a university attempting to develop a service-learning minor. This article examines the effect of the program on students and the university community. The qualitative data were gathered from 25 students over a period from December 2001 to December 2002. The results demonstrate that students in a comprehensive…

Random samples of Ohio 4-H community club members ages 10-14 (n=504, 25% response) and ages 15-19 (n=504, 27% response) were surveyed. Nearly 100% in both groups are involved in community service. Respondents spent equal amounts of time volunteering through school, out of school, on their own, or through 4-H youth development experiences. (SK)

Describes the aims, benefits, and challenges of service-learning programs in public schools. (PKP)

Service learning has focused on elementary-secondary and higher education, but not older adults due to a lack of adult education program experience, resources, or interest. Programs such as Elderhostel, Senior Service Corps, Institutes for Learning in Retirement, and Life Options Centers show how elders can benefit from service learning. (Contains…

A group of 22 4-H members reflected on past service activities; 22 others conducted a service project and reflected immediately. Comparison of these groups and 23 controls showed that immediate reflection increased personal leadership development and perceptions of community contribution. No differences in effective teamwork, self-directed…