Compares community education and service learning; outlines contributions of service learning to the skills identified by the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. A chart identifies which states have the following: community education plans and associations; service learning and community education in the same state agency; and…

Journals and a survey of 93 nursing students involved in community engagement through service learning projects indicated that 90.9% agreed service learning helped their understanding of the community role; 72.8% felt service learning enhanced course learning; only 54.6% said service learning influenced career plans or goals. (Contains 15…

Spirituality has long been associated with public service, but is it a key ingredient? The author argues that it is and that higher education is missing a critical opportunity by not helping students understand the spiritual aspects of serving others. (Contains 12 references.) (GCP)

Discusses how service learning can play an integral role in reclaiming youth. Advocates service learning as an effective part of the reclaiming process because it engages a variety of senses and makes learning more accessible for students with different learning styles. (GCP)

Examined whether service-learning projects performed by preservice teachers help them apply educational theory in classroom practice during field experiences and as in-service teachers. Found that: (1) preservice teachers should perform service-learning projects prior to other education courses; (2) participation in service-learning projects…

Sought to describe the growth of 94 nursing students' critical thinking through service-learning experiences. Results revealed two major themes: development of both professional and community perspectives. (EV)

Presents tools to assist students with reflection on service learning: Kolb's experiential learning cycle, role playing, journal writing, and a map for planning reflection activities before, during, and after service. (SK)

Nursing graduate students (n=79) conducted a variety of community engagement through service learning projects. Qualitative and quantitative analyses indicated that students were exposed to low-income populations and increased their knowledge of health issues and the relationship between socioeconomic status and health. (Contains 13 references.)…

Graduate and undergraduate gerontology students teamed to design and implement intergenerational service-learning projects. A weekly critical incident questionnaire gathered data on team development, collaboration, and learning. Students (n=17) considered team process the high point of the class; learning emerged through struggles with the…

Explains the Bookends program, which combats a community's lack of books for its children. Describes how this grassroots nonprofit organization collects books for schools and youth organizations that either do not have operating libraries or have libraries that are so depleted that they cannot adequately provide all of their children with books to…

Service learning outcomes for students include personal/social development, improved achievement and civic responsibility, and career awareness. The impact of service learning can be heightened by implementing explicit links to curriculum and greater student responsibility and choice. (Contains 31 references.) (SK)

Case studies of districtwide service learning efforts in North Adams, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia embody four critical service learning components: learning, service, youth decision making, and reflection. Their sustainability is enhanced by teacher and administrator support, professional development, and district-level coordination and…

Examines what may be considered unrecognized roots of service learning embedded in African American social thought and action. Asserts that these roots, or precursors, to service learning are part of a community service agenda using various educational procedures and social welfare initiatives to promote race pride and influence social change. (EV)

Describes the preliminary study of a service learning program at Swarthmore College that paired students and college service staff in learning partnerships and as researchers of the program. Three primary questions were answered: How does service within a college campus count as service learning? How was the program community-shaping as well as…

Service learning has been heralded as a transformative and positive experience for most students, but what about those students who just don't get it? These students can often make the service-learning experience difficult and uncomfortable for everyone involved. The author examines this underside of service learning and suggests how to manage it.…