The search for community and the development of democracy through civic participation are the binding glue of the nation. The Cooperative Extension Service was formed in recognition of that fact, and its goal was to preserve community as technical capacity increased. During the 20th century, community has been lost to cyberspace and commercialism,…

This curriculum unit on social studies and service learning was developed during the 1996 Presidential elections. In this unit middle school students not only learn about citizenship and democracy, they also practice civic action through voter registration and community surveying. The unit helps students develop critical thinking skills as they…

This booklet is a guide to establishing youth service learning councils. The booklet begins with a discussion of what youth service learning councils are and why they are a good idea. The following aspects of initiating the process of forming a youth service learning council are explained: facilitating a youth service learning council; identifying…

Examines issues in the development of campus programming for distance learners, including creating effective orientation programs, promoting participation in student government and student organizations, providing service learning opportunities, and offering wellness and recreational sports opportunities. (MSE)

University students in two advanced introductory psychology courses were offered simultaneous enrollment in a community service-learning course. Students selecting the option did not differ from nonparticipants demographically, or in self-reporting personal development gains or final grades, but did report enhanced ability to apply concepts…

Profiles three programs that incorporate service learning into efforts to reduce violence. Extrapolates a set of criteria for developing similar programs. These include meaningful activities, skill-based instruction, recognition of student effort and clear expectations for non-violent behavior. Includes a brief list of teaching resources. (MJP)

Reprints 11 standards for assessing quality in service learning projects from the Alliance for Service-Learning in Education Reform. Each standard provides a rationale and relevant examples. Standards include youth being involved in the planning, program requiring preparation and reflection, and project making a meaningful contribution to the…

The Growing Giftedness Model for teaching gifted students is presented, which includes the following features: identification that relies entirely on scores and on demonstrated performance; cluster grouping during elementary school and classes dominated by gifted students at the secondary level; acceleration and enrichment; creative expression…

Outlines approaches for student evaluation in service learning projects. Maintains that most service learning project participants' goals fall into three broad areas: civic development, academic achievement, and personal or social development. Assessment in these areas can be accomplished through tabulation of service hours, student journals, and…

Maintains that self-esteem is more than simply "feeling good" about oneself. It derives from having experienced meaningful success. A service learning program can accomplish this and avoid the self-preoccupation and narcissism that occasionally accompany self-esteem efforts. Service learning can replace this with empathy and commitment. (MJP)

Describes traditional Indian education and how it differs from the Euro-American model by utilizing example instead of indoctrination. Notes that experiential and service learning include many key elements of Native approaches. Describes programs developed by the National Indian Youth Leadership Project that combine these approaches with…

Describes common elements of service learning emerging from case studies. Focuses on national service programs. Common successful strategies found in Kuliah Kenja Nyata (KKN) program at Indonesian universities and We Care and Share elementary school program in Nova Scotia. Studies programs' development, fiscal considerations, and service…

Addresses educational benefits of integrating community service into the curriculum and describes efforts toward achieving this goal. Involving students in community service can lead to social change by balancing individual rights and self-interest with collective responsibility to the community and society at large. (LP)

Defines community service, which involves unpaid work to improve the community, and service learning, which blends academic study and community service. Offers a rationale for service learning at community colleges. Explains how to start a service learning program, document students' community involvement, and obtain funding. Discusses…

Reports on a approach to teaching the sociology of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) by combining coursework with weekly volunteer work in an AIDS agency. Concludes with a discussion of the benefits of experiential learning and five guidelines for establishing similar community service programs. (CFR)