This conversation began with the question: what has teaching Appalachian Studies taught us about teaching in general? Several themes emerged. Teaching Appalachian studies makes the subject matter relevant to the personal growth of students; requires innovative curriculum development; and because of its activist past, connects naturally with…

Discusses the link between political socialization scholarship and service learning. States that information gleaned from socialization research on adolescents' political identities and beliefs can inform service learning, asserting that the relationship between political socialization and service learning needs to be encouraged. (CMK)

Examined outcomes of a service-learning tutoring program with elementary school children. Compared to a non-tutored group, the tutored children had higher 1-year gains in Stanford Achievement Test scores in math and spelling. Teachers and students rated tutoring highly. (EV)

Revamps the principles of a public relations course, the first professional course in the public relations sequence, by integrating a leadership process and a service-learning component. Finds that more students are reflecting the interpersonal and team skills desired in the 1998 national study on public relations. (SG)

Selected resources for community service learning are presented in the following categories: (1) service learning (17 resources); (2) adolescents today (6 resources); (3) interorganizational and community relations (5 resources); and (4) assessment (5 resources). (SLD)

Describes a joint American and Russian environmental service project in which 26 American secondary students, teachers, and environmentalists set up an environmental learning center in Novgorod (Russia) and provided training in the use of environmental laboratory equipment. Discusses the interpersonal connections and culture conflict experienced…

Examines the role and influence of one Los Angeles (California) school where the approach to education begins with the community. Efforts to embrace a nontraditional educational model in this urban school are described and analyzed. The 350 students at this high school participate in community service while receiving a full range of academic…

A community service project involved nursing faculty and students in providing primary health services. One core activity had nursing students conducting vision screening for preschoolers in at-risk populations. (SK)

Observation of eight associate-degree students in a service-learning project revealed the following about service learning: it was progressive-education opportunity; established a realistic working environment; enabled problem solving; developed learning through experience, awareness, and collaboration; and broadened students' perspectives. (SK)

The Center for School Change (Minnesota) encourages service learning, school-based entrepreneurship, family and community involvement in schools, and the state policies that encourage such approaches. Examples are presented of school and community programs supported by the Center, as well as the Center's efforts to advocate for such programs. (SV)

Nine theme articles focus on the need for students to be conversationally literate about agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources systems. Discusses the definition of conversational literacy, the human and institutional resources needed, and exemplary models for promoting literacy. (JOW)

Evaluation of required service learning activities by first and second year students (n=272) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy indicated 64 percent of first- year students and 86 percent of second-year students felt the experience was educational. Results support use of experiential learning pedagogy to meet educational objectives…

Discusses the increasing interest on college campuses in public service, and reports on 1998, 1999, and 2000 national conferences on "Strategies for Renewing the Civic Mission of the American Research University." Notes conference recommendations, such as establishment of a permanent Institute for Education for Democracy. Stresses importance of…

Discusses issues and trends in the university's mission of community service. Notes a 1999 leadership colloquium of college presidents which urged student participation in public and community service. Identifies new problems, including civic disengagement and the growing gap between rich and poor. Examines the service learning movement and offers…

Research shows that many students lack civic engagement, civic literacy, and the disposition toward becoming responsible citizens. Teachers must convey the meaning of citizenship and its context, rights, and responsibilities. Project Citizen, Outward Bound, and service learning programs can help students learn democratic participation behaviors.…