The classroom teacher plays a pivotal role in any formal educational environment. More specifically, how this individual is involved and how s/he structures activities and discussions about a topic depends on the preferred learning style, personal demeanor, and educational philosophy of the teacher. For teachers that employ service-learning…

At Colorado College, the energy retrofit of a building is used as a service-learning research project to teach physics and chemistry in a variety of courses. In introductory courses for nonscience majors, the project helps students appreciate the scientific method and quantitative reasoning. Within the physical-chemistry course, students see that…

This article takes a critical look at the attempted institutionalization of service-learning in higher education. It asks whether service-learning can become deeply embedded within the academy; and if so, what exactly is becoming embedded. Specifically, this article suggests that there are substantial pedagogical, political, and institutional…

This book began with the idea that it would describe a set of arts-based service-learning courses developed and implemented during the unique multi-year project, Linking Service-Learning and the Visual Arts. These courses, in photography, graphic design, ceramics, and art education were to be offered as models, perhaps, or better yet, as…

A three-round Delphi process involving more than 40 service learning practitioners developed these service learning standards for teachers. Standards are listed for each service learning component: preparing, implementing, reflecting, celebrating, and evaluating. (SK)

Asserts that when students participate in service-learning projects in which they ownership, they become more engaged in the classroom and also build an appreciation for civic values. This article also asserts that when service-learning programs give students little ownership in the process it produces negative effects on the student's civic…

Summarizes findings from a study in which students followed a variety of pathways to civic engagement. The findings from the study suggest that while service-learning is not necessarily more effective than other methods in influencing student attitudes about civic life, it does influence the way students think citizens should act in a democracy.…

The Youth Volunteer Corps of Canada promotes a lifelong service ethic while developing job-related skills. It is successful because it makes community service interesting and age appropriate, it treats youth volunteers with respect, and it meets real community needs. (SK)

Gives an overview of the development of service learning and places it in the context of nursing education. Describes essential elements: institutional support, faculty interest, community partners, student motivation, orientation, evaluation, and reflection. (Contains 18 references.) (SK)

A "toys for tots" service-learning experience integrated into an industrial technology management course required development and planning using a process planning and costing model and work with a variety of stakeholders including an Even-Start learning center. Challenges include the lack of service-learning precedent in technology studies and…

Reflective activities are critical components of service learning because they connect service with course content. Methods include journals, experiential-research papers, ethical case studies, directed readings, and electronic dialogs. (SK)

Redefines service learning as a valuable instructional tool that can be applied across a variety of disciplines and content areas. Presents a set of steps for using it and examples of successes and failures. (EV)

Reports on the development of a college-level eco-educational course that attempts to capitalize on the ecological and educational strengths of ecotourism by establishing a partnership with a local community. Makes suggestions for establishing community partnerships for effective international eco-educational program development. (Contains 15…

Asserts that many service learning projects are rife with disablism, a set of assumptions and practices that promote the differential or unequal treatment of people because of actual or presumed disabilities. Discusses four common images about people with disabilities that may guide selection of service projects for them. Offers suggestions to…

Defines integrative learning, a concept that can help create more potent learning environments. Suggests this type of learning can realize potential pedagogical innovations such as collaborative learning, service learning, learning communities, and residential learning. (Author/JDM)