Service Learning Commons^™

Civic Engagement And American Democracy, Richard Erdmann

Civic Engagement

Alexis de Tocqueville wrote of the United States during the 1830’s and his observations say much about democracy in general, democracy in the United States of the 1830’s and democracy today. His greatest fear for the United States was of apathy on the part of its citizens. He saw individualism and material wealth as potent contributors to the United States but also as potential distracters. He felt that the greatest threat existed because democracy might work so well that citizens would become apathetic. At this point the omnipotence of the majority would cause the democratic freedoms to slip away almost …

A Status Report On Community Service Learning In The California State University For The 2001-2002 Academic Year, Season Eckardt

Higher Education

Community service and service learning arc long-standing touchstones in the mission and purpose of the California State University since the first campus was founded in 1857. Partnerships between local communities and CSU faculty and students make numerous goals achievable: they improve the quality of life across California, promote faculty research, and support CSU programs- all while students learn the value and satisfaction that comes from contributing to society. Policymakers and leaders of higher education have expressed renewed interest in utilizing service learning as a vehicle to instill civic values in students. All these elements have contributed to the profound advancement …

Cesar Chavez: Individual Action: Fluff And Fold, Orange County Cesar Chavez Day Initiative

Curriculum

Cesar E. Chavez was one of the most significant and influential civil rights leaders of our time. Chavez devoted himself to social justice and improving the lives of the impoverished and op- pressed. His name, like the name of Martin Luther King, Jr, speaks of character and commitment. This project is in honor of the life and work of Cesar E. Chavez.

The Cesar E. Chavez- "Fluff and Fold" project is a multifaceted service learning experience that will provide your grades 3-5 students with a vehicle that embodies Cesar Chavez' values, addresses homelessness issues, and facilitates gaining life skills all …

Building Community Through Service-Learning: The Role Of The Community Partner, Susan Abravanel

Partnerships/Community

The students in Mike Walsh's Natural Resources class at Nestucca Valley Middle School in Beaver, Oregon, are learning in the woods. Twice a month, teams are managing their own experimental forest, a quarter-mile strip of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property in Pacific City divided into 100-by-100 foot sections. Their curriculum begins with measuring and marking out the plots, removing invasive scotch broom plants, and marking and taking inventory of the lodgepole pine trees planted in rows 30 years earlier to hold back the shifting dunes. These 7th- and 8th-grader students will develop comprehensive management plans, outlining in detail which …

Community Needs Assessment Guide, Cesar Chavez Foundation

Guides

To ensure students have a clear understanding of the importance of a community needs assessment, gauge their understanding of “community” and “need.”

2003 Service Statistics: Highlights Of Campus Compact’S Annual Membership Survey, Campus Compact

Higher Education

The trend toward increasing civic engagement among colleges and universities is stronger than ever. In Campus Compact’s 2003 survey, member institutions reported not only record participation in community service but also an increase in structural and financial support for initiatives to improve communities and to make civic learning part of academic life.

Seizing The Moment: Creating A Changed Society And University Through Outreach, Judith A. Ramaley

Higher Education

This conference is built on two very interesting premises; first, that university outreach can change society and second, that outreach can also change the university. What is the mechanism by which this mutual influence can occur? What does the university offer the community, and what does the community offer the university? The short answer is--the opportunity to learn in the company of others in a situation where learning has consequences.

Starting A Volunteer Program In An Organization, Points Of Light Foundation

Guides

Instituting a new volunteer program or reenergizing an existing one involves a process that covers a range of management functions-from needs assessment, volunteer position development, and recruitment, to supervision, evaluation, and recognition. These processes are interdependent and together create a synergy that will enliven your volunteer program. Once instituted, an effective approach to volunteer management will perpetuate itself.

Cesar Chaves: Can't We All Get Along?: A Peer Mediation And Awareness Campaign Project For Middle School Students, Rmc Research Corporation, Cesar Chavez Foundation

Curriculum

The “Can’t We All Get Along? A Peer Mediation and Awareness Campaign Project for Middle School Students” provides a multi-faceted service-learning experience that will give students an understanding of César E. Chávez’s core values, specifically service to others, determination, the use of nonviolence as a tool for achieving justice, acceptance of all people, community building, problem solving knowledge, and innovation. The unit is tied directly to the California State Curriculum Standards for Middle School and provides young adolescents with the opportunity to gain conflict resolution skills while providing service to their peers. Whether used to celebrate César E. Chávez Day …

Civic Engagement And Service-Learning With Young Children: Lntergenerational Peacemaking Projects: By The Students, Volunteers And Staff Of Peace Games, Education Commission Of The States

Intergenerational

Violence, in all of its forms, continues to make learning difficult, if not impossible, for a substantial number of children. While high-profile incidences such as the Columbine High School shootings grab the public's attention, it is the daily difficulties of bullies, intimidation and fear that affect students in all schools (Twemlow, 2001 ).

Meeting Ncate Standards Through Service-Learning: Diversity, National Service-Learning In Teacher Education Partnership

Diversity

Over the past several years, college campuses across North America have seen an increase in the variety of service-learning projects integrated with academic course goals. Federal and state governments are asking schools, colleges, and departments of education to promote service-learning because of service-learning's unique capacity to promote high-quality learning and civic engagement in its participants. Teacher educators are responding by embedding service- learning into various teacher education courses and they report positive outcomes. For example, experiences in culturally diverse and/or low-income schools and communities juxtaposed with multicultural education courses provide preservice teachers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of …

The Impact Of Service Learning On Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy, Monalisa Mccurry Mullins

Thesis, Dissertations, Student Creative Activity, and Scholarship

In recent years, the role of higher education in promoting volunteerism and social responsibility through service learning has become an issue that may radically impact both faculty and student development programs on American college campuses. Despite the significant amount of data regarding the impact of student participation in service learning on students' attitudes toward volunteerism and social responsibility, there is still a tremendous gap in our understanding of how such participation impacts subsequent student perceptions of personal self-efficacy. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to further articulate and clarify the relationship between student involvement in service learning courses …

Roadmap To Civic Engagement (Adapted For Washington Service Corps), Larry Fletch

Guides

Service-Learning Northwest partnered with Washington Service Corps (WSC), a statewide AmeriCorps program, to implement the Roadmap to Civic Engagement program in its 2002-2003 pilot year.

Service-Learning Northwest (SLNW), a program of Educational Service District 112, was established to meet the training, technical assistance and resource needs of educators, students, youth and community-based organizations throughout the service-learning and service communities. SLNW promotes service-learning excellence through the development of high quality service-learning practices and tools for success. Please visit our web site for information about products and services offered by Service-Learning Northwest at www.servicelearningnw.esd112.org.

Senior Capstone Faculty Handbook: A Resource Guide For Psu University Studies Capstone Faculty, Portland State University

Guides

This resource guide contains:

• What is the Senior Capstone?
• Teaching the Capstone Course: Most Commonly Asked Questions
• Combining Service and Learning: Essential Elements
• The Community Partner's Role in Capstone
• Clarifying Service and Learning Goals: The Use of Learning Agreements
• Sample Leaming Agreement
• Legal Issues in Community-Based Courses
• Student Safety in CBL
• Student Responsibility in Community-Based Leaming
• Combining Service and Leaming: Some Notes from Capstone Faculty
• Strategies for Student Support
• References and Resources
• Appendix

Inclusive Service Learning: A Training Guide For K-12 Teachers, Hampshire Educational Collaborative

Guides

Designed to be used in conjunction with the video FROM "YOU CAN'T" TO "YOU CAN" SERVICE LEARNING FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The Impact Of Service-Learning On Meap: A Large Scale Study Of Michigan Learn And Serve Grantees, Rmc Research Corporation

Project Summaries

Service-learning is a teaching strategy that involves students in service projects that are connected to the curriculum. Service-learning has its roots in the ideas of philosophers, such as Piaget and Dewey, who argued that students learn more when they are actively involved in their own learning and when learning has a distinct purpose (Anderson, Kinsley, Negroni, & Price, 1991; Conrad & Hedin, 1991; Kinsley, 1997). A body of evidence is building in support of the positive academic outcomes of service-learning (see Billig, 2000 for a review). However, the conclusions that can be drawn from many of these research studies are …

Cesar Chavez: Who Are Today's Heroes?, Rmc Research Corporation, Cesar Chavez Foundation

Curriculum

This project will help young people to understand the characteristics that make individuals “heroes.” In learning about César E. Chávez’s life and values, students will learn about history, self determination, help for the needy, and actions that promote equity and justice. They will develop a sense of what it means to contribute to society and how they may make a difference. Students will also identify ways in which they can incorporate these characteristics into their own lives and recognize heroes in their community. Participation in the Chávez inspired service-learning project will promote academic learning, civic responsibility, and personal/social development.

Cesar Chavez: Service Fair Of Values, Cesar Chavez Foundation

Curriculum

Cesar E. Chavez was one of the most significant and influential civil rights leaders of our time. Chavez devoted himself to social justice and improving the lives of the impoverished and oppressed. His name, like the name of Martin Luther King, Jr., speaks of character and commitment. This project is in honor of the life and work of Cesar E. Chavez.

The Cesar E. Chavez "Service Fair of Values" project is a multi-faceted experience that will provide your students with a vehicle for service learning that embodies Cesar Chavez' values. Whether used to celebrate Cesar Chavez Day (March 31, 2003) …

Health Issues Of Migrant Workers: An Awareness Campaign Project For Middle School Students, Go Serv, Rmc Research Corporation, Cesar Chavez Foundation

Curriculum

César E. Chávez was one of the most significant and influential civil rights leaders of our time. Chávez devoted himself to social justice and improving the lives of the impoverished and oppressed. His name, like that of Martin Luther King, Jr., symbolizes character and commitment. This project, part of the “Educating the Heart” series, has been developed to honor of the life and work of César E. Chávez.

The César E. Chávez “Health Issues of Migrant Workers” project provides a multi-faceted service-learning experience that will give high school students an understanding of César E. Chávez’s core values, specifically service to …

Making Change: Promoting Character Education Through Philanthropic Service-Learning Projects, Kathia Monard-Weissman

Curriculum

The New York State Department of Education in its efforts to foster moral principles in students is sponsoring programs that integrate a component of character education in the course of instruction in grades kindergarten through twelve. Creating and sustaining a meaningful approach to character education requires partnerships between school personnel, students and the broader community. The NYS Department of Education recognizes that programs that integrate community-based activities in the school curricula can help nurture important values such as honesty, tolerance to diversity, respect towards others, fairness, caring, and trustworthiness. These values will likely enhance the students' interactions with the community …

The Great American Bake Sale: A Program Of Share Our Strength, Cathryn Berger Kaye

Curriculum

Service Learning Curriculum to Address Childhood Hunger

Abundant Beautification: An Effective Service-Learning Project For Students With Emotional Or Behavioral Disorders, Laura M. Frey

Disabilities

• Can service learning provide a structure for students to access skills that will transition into future community living success?
• Can students with emotional or behavioral disorders work successfully with a community-based partner to implement projects that meet community needs?
• Can these students realize the connection between community needs and their classroom academic activities?
• Can students with emotional or behavioral disorders develop a sense of caring not only for themselves, but for others?

Read this article to find answers to these questions regarding the efficacy of service learning for students with emotional or behavioral disorders (see box, …

Partnership With A Graduate Nursing Program: Voices Of The Community, Deborah Essex Forbes Lindell

Thesis, Dissertations, Student Creative Activity, and Scholarship

Academic-community partnerships (ACPs) are a means by which community-based organizations can implement their missions and programs of higher education can facilitate student educational objectives through real world learning experiences. Many ACPs are framed in the educational methodology, service-learning. Theoretical definitions of ACPs (as a type of inter-organizational relationship) describe them as relationships that are on-going, reciprocal and characterized by mutual trust and respect.

During the past 15 years, ACPs and service-learning have experienced a rapid growth in nursing education. Literature pertaining to ACPs in nursing education is largely anecdotal and concerns undergraduate nursing programs. There are few reports of research …

Demonstrating Results In National Service Programs: An Introduction To The Government Performance And Results Act, Corporation For National Service

Evaluation/Reflection

To provide opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in service that addresses the nation's educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results and to encourage all Americans to engage in such service. In doing so, the Corporation will foster civic responsibility, strengthen the ties that bind us together as a people, and provide educational opportunity for those who promise to service.

Integrating Service-Learning Into Dietetics And Nutrition Education, Jennifer M. Chabot, David H. Holben

Service Learning, General

This article presents a review of the service-learning literature as a foundation for a discussion on integrating service-learning into dietetics and nutrition education. The purposes of this review are to (1) define service-learning, (2) discuss how service-learning can enhance dietetics and nutrition education programs, (3) explain principles and best practices fur integrating service-learning into dietetics and nutrition curricula, and ( 4) outline practical tips for orienting students for this experience and establishing sites for service-learning activities. The information shared has pedagogical implications and is transferable to any dietetics and nutrition education program.

Making The Case For Social And Emotional Learning And Service-Learning, Education Commission Of The States

Service Learning, General

This ECS Issue Brief provides an overview and description of both social and emotional learning (SEL) and service-learning (S-L) as tools to improve the lives and academic performance of students. It describes how the two practices are interrelated and the research evidence that supports the expanded use of both practices in the classroom. Also provided are descriptions of the essential elements required of successful SEL and S-L programs, examples of such successful programs that are in existence today, and a discussion of state activities and experiences. Lastly, the brief discusses a series of likely challenges that education leaders implementing SEL …

Making The Case For Social And Emotional Learning And Service-Learning, Linda Fredericks

Service Learning, General

This ECS Issue Brief provides an overview and description of both social and emotional learning (SEL) and service-learning (S-L) as tools to improve the lives and academic performance of students. It describes how the two practices arc interrelated and the research evidence that supports the expanded use of both practices in the classroom. Also provided are descriptions of the essential clements required of successful SEL and S-L programs, examples of such successful programs that are in existence today, and a discussion of state activities and experiences. Lastly, the brief discusses a series of likely challenges that education leaders implementing SEL …

Best Practices In Service-Learning At Christian Private Liberal Arts Colleges And Universities, Regan Harwell Schaffer

Thesis, Dissertations, Student Creative Activity, and Scholarship

The purpose of this study was to develop a working definition of service-Ieaming, identify the best practices of service-learning in the Christian college context and based upon that information develop a model that could be replicated at similar colleges and universities. To address the research questions, the researcher performed a descriptive study which incorporated the following: (a) examination of the findings of unpublished data from a survey on service-Iearning at 90 Christian colleges and universities and notes from a conference on service-learning at faith-based institutions; (b) conducting a thorough review of the literature on service-learning and the mission and purpose …

The Impact Of Community Service Involvement On Three Measures Of Undergraduate Self-Concept, Joseph B. Berger, Jeffrey F. Milem

Higher Education

The central purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of how community service involvement affects the development of undergraduate self-concept. The findings from this study suggest that the quality of service involvement is more important than the amount of service performed by students.

Teaching The "Heart And Soul" Of Citizenship: Service-Learning As Citizenship Education, Bernadette Sun Chi

Thesis, Dissertations, Student Creative Activity, and Scholarship

Troubling trends in political disengagement among young people include decreasing knowledge of and interest in political issues as well as lower rates of voting compared to previous generations. To potentially address this CO~ service-learning has often been promoted in public schools as a means of educating active citizens, among other outcomes.

Despite the expansion of service-learning programs, the relationship between service-learning and citizenship outcomes deserves further study. This dissertation examines the following questions: Do teachers consider "citizenship" an explicit goal for service-learning experiences in K-12 schools? How do teachers and students define what it means to be a "good citizen"? …