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ERIC Number: EJ1146287
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Jun
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0313-5373
EISSN: N/A
Exploring the Value of Service-Learning on Preservice Teachers
Mergler, Amanda; Carrington, Suzanne B.; Kimber, Megan P.; Bland, Derek; Boman, Peter
Australian Journal of Teacher Education, v42 n6 Article 5 p69-80 Jun 2017
Service-learning as a transformative pedagogy within university education is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. Advocates of service-learning indicate that the practice of combining community based voluntary work with theoretical in-class academic knowledge leads to a greater awareness about diversity and difference in students. While such claims are enticing, particularly in pre-service teacher education where there is a need for teachers to understand and embrace diversity, it is important to determine the veracity of such claims. The current study used a repeated measures design to explore whether engaging in service-learning as part of an inclusive education unit resulted in changes in pre-service teachers' willingness to support diverse students and their sense of confidence and preparedness when teaching such students. Results revealed that fourth year pre-service teachers self-reported significantly higher levels of willingness to include diversity, confidence to support diversity, and preparedness to teach diverse students after service-learning than before. These results indicate that undertaking a service learning experience as part of an inclusive education unit in a teacher education degree may result in positive changes in students that support an inclusive approach to education.
Edith Cowan University. Bradford Street, Mount Lawley, West Australia 6050, Australia. Web site: http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A