Wow! eBook
Learning Through Serving: A Student Guidebook for Service-learning Across the Disciplines
Author(s): Christine M Cress (Author), Peter J Collier (Author), Vicki L Reitenauer (Author)
- Publisher: Stylus Publishing (VA)
- Publication Date: 30 May 2005
- Edition: illustrated edition
- Language: English
- Print length: 224 pages
- ISBN-10: 157922119X
- ISBN-13: 9781579221195
Book Description
This book is intended as a self-directed guide for college-level students who are engaged in service-learning. Though addressed principally to students participating in service-learning as a class, it is also suitable for students working individually. The authors’ goals are to enable the reader to derive the greatest benefit from the experience – in terms of providing meaningful service to the community partner, developing his or her skills and knowledge, and connecting back what she or he learns to course objectives and the framework of their discipline. Service-learning requires students to take on new roles and to pursue learning in ways fundamentally different from traditional courses. This book begins by setting the context, explaining the differences between service and volunteerism and linking service-learning to the larger issues of citizenship and democracy. It then provides activities, exercises and other resources to develop students’ skills of reflection, teamwork and cultural competence; and to help them plan, work with community partners, exercise leadership and manage change. The authors provide a framework for students to assess their progress and communicate final results to all stakeholders. By linking service-learning to the learning goals of the student’s course, this workbook constitutes the ideal companion to disciplinary course readings. It is equally suitable for courses of a few weeks’ or a few months’ duration. The exercises can be undertaken by the students by themselves, or together with their peers, and can be incorporated as class activities by the teacher. This succinct and conversationally-written guide will engage and motivate your students while developing the skills to succeed in their service-learning.
Editorial Reviews
Review
The authors of this book work at Portland State University, which has a reputation for serious commitment to a learning paradigm, a thoughtful general education curriculum, and a concern for student mindfulness and active citizenship. On the evidence of Learning Through Serving, it is well-deserved. –Effective Teaching
About the Author
Christine M. Cress is Associate Professor of Postsecondary, Adult, and Continuing Education at Portland State University. Peter J. Collier is Associate Professor of Sociology at Portland State University. Vicki L. Reitenauer is an instructor in the senior Capstone service-learning program at Portland State University.
