Examines service learning as a bridge between practical courses such as professional communication, which are linked to the market economy, and the ideal of public service. Explores the charge of "vocationalism" regarding service learning and describes a partnership with a non-profit organization over several semesters that illustrates how it can…

Uses the indigenous Andean concept of "ayni" to extend the idea of reciprocity as an aim of service learning. Draws on student reflections from a semester-long seminar with spring break building project in Bolivia to offer eight applications of the concept. These applications offer doorways to discuss the challenges of fostering mutual, meaningful…

Describes discussions of race, particularly whiteness, in a service learning class. Argues that teaching the implications of white privilege is crucial in service learning courses, particularly when most of the students are white and most of those being served are of color. Considers the ethical implications of race in service learning. (EV)

Introduces the Web-based, interactive group journal as a potent, highly efficient, and research-based alternative to traditional, privately-kept journals. Describes this journaling alternative in detail as it has been used in the last four semesters of an undergraduate service learning course, and presents instructor and student assessments of…

Asserts that many service learning projects are rife with disablism, a set of assumptions and practices that promote the differential or unequal treatment of people because of actual or presumed disabilities. Discusses four common images about people with disabilities that may guide selection of service projects for them. Offers suggestions to…

Discusses the development and implementation of an academic service learning course designed to explore partnership possibilities between a university, religious organizations, and neighborhood coalitions in West Philadelphia. Course goals were twofold: for students to activate partnerships with community members and congregation participants to…

Asserts that by stressing the humanities' importance to individual and societal health and well-being, service learning can provide opportunities to serve arts organizations and other humanistic institutions of learning. Suggests that such experiences will better ensure the development of life-long learning habits and humanistic citizenship. (EV)

Introduces a theme issue, discussing the journal's purposes and evolution, and reviewing historical landmarks related to service learning research. Reviews the articles within this issue, discussing planned next steps, and concludes with a call for service learning research efforts to broaden the knowledge and practice bases and further expand the…

Research emphasizes the impact of service learning on college students' development. Less evidence exists of its cognitive impact. To improve academic learning quality, researchers must identify intellectual outcomes best facilitated through service learning, create measures of these outcomes to embed into instructional processes, and conduct…

Reviews recent research related to the roles of race and gender issues in community service learning, exploring issues of student participation, student learning and peer interaction, community relationships and impact, and transfer to other venues in the educational institution. A series of foci for further research related to race and gender…

Discusses reasons for the lack of research on the community dimensions of service learning, noting that community-focused research is possible. Presents a four-dimensional model for doing research with community partners on the process and outcomes of community service learning, arguing that it should emphasize the community-university partnership…

Little research exists on the critical role of faculty in service learning. Recommends focusing increased and immediate attention and resources on research related to: motivations and attractions of faculty to service learning; supports needed by faculty; impact or influence of service learning on faculty; satisfaction reported by faculty; and…

Highlights three areas of research on the relationships between college service learning and citizenship. Discusses the need to: understand relationships between different approaches to service learning and conceptions of good citizenship; connect service learning research to scholarly issues and frameworks from related disciplines; and examine…

Identifies questions and issues related to the "engaged" campus, detailing organizational issues and institutional impacts related to service learning and highlighting: issues of definition and language; the definition of an engaged institution; the role of affiliate groups and national reports; issues of infrastructure and support; the challenges…

Advocates for studies designed to promote understanding of how service learning fits with the historical traditions and norms, key concerns and perspectives, and basic assumptions of the various academic disciplines. This agenda can only be successfully addressed by enlisting the active cooperation of national and regional disciplinary and…