scholarly journals “Into the Realm of the Politically Incorrect”: Intercultural Encounters in a Service-Learning Program

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christelle Palpacuer-Lee ◽  
Jessie Hutchison Curtis
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Social Space ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Narrative Methods ◽  
World Languages ◽  
Intercultural Encounters ◽  
Intercultural Mediators ◽  
The Impact

Now more than ever, teachers of world languages are encouraged to become intercultural mediators in their communities and classrooms. This study describes the impact of an innovative community-based teacher education program for developing participants' interculturality. Building on narrative methods of investigation, we explore the potential of community-based service-learning as a social space in which participants learn to recognize and mediate worldviews. The data come primarily from field observations and pre-service teachers’ journaled reflections. We illustrate our findings through a series of narratives that serve as a frame for locating cultural recognition and learning. 

scholarly journals Considering Power in Community-Based Research: Shifting Toward New Pedagogical Approaches with a 'Public Work for Public Things' Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Haarman ◽  
Patrick M Green
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Power Differential ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Work ◽  
Community Based Learning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Service Learning Pedagogy ◽  
The Voice

One of the fundamental questions of power in the pedagogy of community-based research (CBR) is who gets to decide what is research worthy and what is the focus of CBR questions? The reality of the power imbalance in community-based research and learning is often reflective of a systemic disengagement with the broader community. Even when instructors and administrators are intentional in how they solicit feedback or think through the impact of their work, they may not know the neighbourhood. Prioritising the voice of community partners does not provide a simple solution, as the individuals we work with to organise community-based learning opportunities may not be residents of the neighbourhood. This article adopts a theory-building approach to this crucial question. Building on the work of Boyte (2014) and Honig (2017), community-based research is reoriented as ‘public work for public things’ (Haarman 2020). After establishing the ‘public work for public things’ framework, the article explores how this new framework impacts collaborative research by addressing the power differential and creating new lines of inquiry – specifically the practice of ‘elicitation of concerns’. Through the lens of critical service-learning pedagogy (Mitchell 2008) and a practitioner-scholar framework (Lytle 2008; Ravitch 2013; Salipante & Aram 2003), we then interrogate two community-based research courses we have recently taught, examining how a ‘public work for public things’ approach would have altered the course and its methods.

Lessons Learned From 15 Years of Service-Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 17-40
Author(s):  
Lori Simons ◽  
Lawrence Fehr ◽  
Lake Greene
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Intercultural Relationships ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Psychology Course ◽  
Service Experiences

This chapter describes lessons learned from students involved in a service-learning program in an urban school district during the past 15 years. A total of 729 undergraduate students enrolled in an educational psychology course took part in the study. Students completed a survey at the beginning and end of the course. The findings indicate that academic-based service-learning and cultural-based service-learning contribute to different learning outcomes. Academic-based service-learners develop intercultural relationships with service recipients and community partners and acquire an understanding of social disparities in the community while cultural-based service-learners develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Students also appeared to make meaning out of their diverse service experiences and acquired a deeper understanding about how social responsibility is part of their role as preservice teachers in their school community. Implications for incorporating CBSL strategies in a teacher education program are discussed.

Lessons Learned From 15 Years of Service-Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 903-925
Author(s):  
Lori Simons ◽  
Lawrence Fehr ◽  
Lake Greene
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Intercultural Relationships ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Psychology Course ◽  
Service Experiences

This chapter describes lessons learned from students involved in a service-learning program in an urban school district during the past 15 years. A total of 729 undergraduate students enrolled in an educational psychology course took part in the study. Students completed a survey at the beginning and end of the course. The findings indicate that academic-based service-learning and cultural-based service-learning contribute to different learning outcomes. Academic-based service-learners develop intercultural relationships with service recipients and community partners and acquire an understanding of social disparities in the community while cultural-based service-learners develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Students also appeared to make meaning out of their diverse service experiences and acquired a deeper understanding about how social responsibility is part of their role as preservice teachers in their school community. Implications for incorporating CBSL strategies in a teacher education program are discussed.

Academic Partnerships: Social Determinants of Health Addressed though Service Learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henny Breen ◽  
Melissa Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Associate Degree ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Community Organizations ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Academic Partnerships ◽  
Returning To School ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAim To evaluate the impact of service learning through academic partnerships Background Although there is an abundance of literature regarding service learning as a pedagogical strategy for teaching pre-licensure students, there is a gap in the literature in regarding Associate Degree nurses returning to school to earn a bachelor’s degree. Method A qualitative study which included student assignments and interviews, written feedback and focus groups with staff from community organizations was used to evaluate the Service-Learning Program. Results Five primary themes emerged from the data which included a deeper understanding of vulnerable populations, increased knowledge of challenges in access to care, improved leadership skills, improved awareness of community resources, and impact on nursing practice. Conclusion Community organizations recognized the expertise of the RN to BSN students and benefited from their work and at the same time, students recognized their expertise and leadership in ways they had not done before.

English at Your Service

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Helene Krauthamer ◽  
Matthew Petti
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Civic Engagement ◽  
General Education ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Black College ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Historically Black College ◽  
Community Based Learning ◽  
The Impact

This chapter discusses civic engagement and service-learning in higher education at an urban, land-grant, Historically Black College/University, with a particular focus on the challenges and benefits of service-learning for commuter students. After a discussion of service learning and how it exemplifies the Kolb learning model and effective educational practice, the chapter presents illustrations of civic engagement and extracurricular community-based learning in an English BA program through its two student organizations – The Literary Club and Sigma Tau Delta-Alpha Epsilon Rho. The chapter also provides an example of how service-learning has been implemented in a General Education program and specifically in a writing course. The chapter highlights the partnerships with community organizations that have developed, presents reflective testimonials about the impact of these experiences, provides recommendations for strengthening community-based learning, and concludes that service-learning/community-based learning results in a sense of community for all participants.

Pacific Islanders in Higher Education: Exploring Heritage Language, Culture and Constructs within a Hybrid Service Learning Program

2016 ◽  
pp. 454-473
Author(s):  
Denise Uehara ◽  
Vidalino Raatior
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
American University ◽  
Language Identity ◽  
The Impact

This article describes how service learning experiences reflected multiple purposes within a larger framework where heritage and English languages intersect. We share results of an inquiry-based program evaluation focused on language, identity formation and experiences related to academic, social and professional interactions. Through the UH Hilo service-learning experience, students enhanced their cultural, linguistic and interpersonal skills while also providing needed services to placement organizations. Pacific Islander heritage language speakers attending an American university provide a critical lens into the complexities of language, culture, and identity when navigating higher education in a “foreign” setting. The concept of “other” applied to the increasing numbers of ESL speakers across the nation serves as a reminder for institutions of higher education to offer students helpful and supportive spaces. We share the benefits of a paid internship for both employer and intern; the challenges of heritage language influences in an English language setting; and the impact of service learning.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Modifications to a Service-Learning Project Designed to Prepare Special Education Students to Be Effective Participants in Transdisciplinary Collaborations

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy Doody ◽  
Katrina Fulcher ◽  
Pamela Schueltze
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Early Childhood Settings

This research study examined the impact of COVID-19 on university students’ perceptions about the effectiveness of a community-based service-learning project designed to prepare graduate students in special education and undergraduate students in psychology and speech-language pathology to work in transdisciplinary teams in early childhood settings. Students were placed into transdisciplinary teams and assigned to one of two community-based early childhood programs to administer a universal screening tool that assessed young children in several domains. The project was in its sixth year when the country stood still because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was re-envisioned, mid-course, to provide an equitable and rigorous assignment for students who were unable to complete the original assignment due to the lockdown. Student perceptions were compared, pre and post COVID; subsequent results are discussed in alignment with the original four goals of the project. Additionally, suggestions are posed to position this service-learning assignment for remote delivery should the pandemic persist to disrupt higher education.

Whom Does Service Learning Really Serve? Community-Based Organizations' Perspectives on Service Learning

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
David D. Blouin ◽  
Evelyn M. Perry
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Student Conduct ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Organizations ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Benefits And Costs

One of the major selling points of service-learning courses is their potential to mutually benefit communities, universities, and students. Although a great deal of research reports numerous pedagogical and personal benefits for students—from improved grades and increased civic engagement to increased understanding and appreciation of diversity—there is relatively little research on the impact of service learning on the community. To understand when and how service-learning courses benefit the community, we conducted in-depth interviews with representatives of local community-based organizations that have worked with service learners. We report on the primary benefits and costs associated with service-learning courses. We identify three types of obstacles to successful service-learning courses: issues related to student conduct, poor fit between course and organizational objectives, and lack of communication between instructors and organizations. We develop practical guidelines for addressing these obstacles and for ensuring that service learning fulfills teaching and learning goals and provides valuable service to community-based organizations.

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