The Goldilocks Dilemma: A Case Study toward a “Just Right” Model of Service-Learning
Keywords:
SERVICE-LEARNING; Quality Enhancement Plan; Critical Thinking AssessmentAbstract
Scholars have long lamented the lack of conceptual clarity in
the area of SERVICE-LEARNING. The pedagogical approaches of
Sigmon (1994), Haynes (2016) and Eyler and Giles (1999) have been
applied to create a balanced or “Goldilocks” model of SERVICE-LEARNING to courses in both Sociology and Political Science.
Moreover, preliminary quantitative assessments have been integrated
into the curriculum along with a component of a University wide
accreditation plan now for the second five-year QEP (Quality
Enhancement Plan). Presented are preliminary assessment results of a
case study demonstrating positive relationships between SERVICE-LEARNING and skills identified as essential to critical thinking and real
world problem solving. The cross-disciplinary application of
community-based SERVICE-LEARNING projects in increasing critical
thinking skills demonstrates a positive direction for future research.
References
Works Cited
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Campus Compact National Center for Community Colleges. (2002). Essential Service –Learning Resource Guide [Brochure]. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED479524.pdf
Campus Compact National Center for Colleges. Mission and Vision. Retrieved from http://compact.org/who-we-are/mission-and-vision/#history
Furco, A. (2002). Is Service-Learning Really Better Than Community Service? In A. Furco & S. H. Billig (Eds.) Service-learning: The Essence of Pedagogy (p. 25). Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing
Jovanovic, Spoma, DeGooyer, Dan Jr, and Reno, David. 2002. “News Talks: Critical Service-Learning for Social Change.†Proteus: A Journal of Ideas. 27(1), pp.7-14.
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Sigmon, Robert L. Spring 1979. Service-learning: Three Principals. Synergist. National Center for Service-Learning, ACTION,8 (1):9-11
Sigmon, Robert L. 1994. Serving to Learn, Learning to Serve. Linking Service with Learning. Council for Independent Colleges Report.
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Copyright (c) 2016 Shelley S. Brown, Lori Maxwell
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