The authors discuss the concept of a good community service program and argue that such a program challenges students to think about the meaning of their volunteer experiences. Several examples are presented from students' reactions to their volunteer experiences to illustrate this point. (CH)

The Mardi Gras Coalition, a project of Tulane University's community-service organization, trains student volunteers to provide emergency medical and other services at New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebration. The students get desired practical medical experience and also help the community. (MSE)

Describes a technique for student evaluation of teacher performance, utilizing the involvement approach. Students evaluate the teacher midterm. The evaluations are then made available to a committee of volunteers drawn from the class. The committee identifies problem areas of instruction and recommends changes. (RM)

Not only is service learning a buzz word in the academy, but it is also a phenomenon discussed by those in private and non-academic public arenas. In the Spring 2000 semester a small-group communication class educator implemented the idea of her students completing a semester-long service learning project. This paper details the steps the educator…

In 1997 the Education Commission of the States (ECS) created the Compact for Learning and Citizenship (CLC), an organization of state and district superintendents working to improve student learning through civic involvement and the use of volunteers. This issue paper provides an overview of service-learning, discussing impact, alignment with…

This article explore the motivations of personnel volunteering for the Underground Switchboard in Milwaukee (a hotline that began underground and gained acceptability). It also discusses this organization's struggles for maintenance and cohesion and makes suggestions for keeping such institutions vital. (Author/EK)

Presents findings from a three-year study of a volunteer service program at a college-preparatory Catholic high school. Reveals that students with service experience showed significantly higher rates of moral growth than those without this experience. Adds that faculty involvement and student reflection and discussion were also essential for…

Describes the efforts of St. Paul's School in Concord (New Hampshire) to join with local agencies and public schools to provide students with practical experiences and advanced programs. For its 125th anniversary, St. Paul's sponsored a series of seminar discussions on school effectiveness that included a national group of scholars. (WD)

Student volunteerism can include direct service, research and community education, and advocacy service. Alert observation and informed questioning are at the heart of learning from nonclassroom experience. (Author/MLF)

Presents three papers addressing the topic of using youth volunteers in public libraries: "Teen Corps Reaches Out with Pride" (Yvonne K. Coleman); "Whose Teen Advisory Board is this, Anyway?" (Leila J. Sprince); and "It All Started in the Summer..." (Liz Baldwin). (AEF)

Examines the literature on volunteer motivation to provide a conceptual framework for future studies on traits and motivations of college student volunteers. Focuses on the relationship between egoistic and altruistic motivational components, as well as situational factors. Explores motivation constructs, mixed motivation, and results'…

Researchers conducted focus group interviews with college student peer health educators to determine what factors motivated them to volunteer for a peer health education program. Examination of their life experiences, motivations, and program expectations indicated that life experiences, belief in the effectiveness of peer health education, and…

Explores the concept of school-based youth community service as a means to help students connect to their communities. Lists resources in service learning. Discusses ways to help service learning reach its potential. Presents arguments for and against having such a program, and addresses the debate about mandatory service. (DLH)