An ERIC digest considers several approaches to community study within the social studies curriculum. Material is divided into four sections. Following an introduction, "A rationale for community study" outlines skills and concepts that can be presented through community study and presents the rationale that community study can provide greater relevance to national and global events. "Can participation in the community improve student motivation?" argues that community studies provide valuable opportunities for students to become involved in public life and thus develop citizenship participation skills. Research indicating that experiential community-based learning raises student motivation is also presented. "Why aren't community- based strategies more widely implemented?" considers the following reasons for the low implementation of community studies programs: extensive preparation time and perceived low administrator support. "How can the community be implemented in social studies education?" describes specific strategies for integrating a community--based social study component. Emphasis is placed on a four dimensional model of community study: using the community as a source of content; using the community as a source of learning experience; community service as a dimension of community study; and using the community to enhance skill development. A list of resources concludes the paper. (LP)