From Passion to Objectivity: International and Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives on Service-Learning Research(Advances in Service-Learning Research)

This volume is the seventh in the Advances in Service-Learning Research series, and presents a collection of papers selected from those presented at the Sixth International Service-learning Research, hosted by Portland State University in Portland, Oregon in October 2006. The theme of the conference, which is also the title of this volume, was “From Passion to Objectivity: International and Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives on Service-Learning Research.” This theme was selected to showcase several important topics in contemporary service learning and community engagement research. Of key importance is the way in which the chapters selected for this volume reflect the evolution and maturation of research in the field of service-learning—moving from descriptive narratives of the passion for addressing social problems and inequities that was evident in much of the early research (and is still reflected today) to increasingly sophisticated research that draws on multiple methodologies, presents solid evidence, and offers the basis for replication and further exploration through future research.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. Introduction; Sherril B. Gelmon and Shelley H. Billig. Section I. International and Cross-Cultural Perspectives. Chapter 1. Context and Culture: Models of Engagement Around the World; Margo Fryer, Robert Wallis, Kalawathie Sattar, John Annette, Richard Battistoni, and Alisha Lund-Chaix. Chapter 2. Apples, Oranges, and Kumys: Multiple Methods, Matrices, and Models for Research on Students Doing Intercultural Service-Learning; Martha Merrill and Margaret D. Pusch. Chapter 3. An Eastern Perspective on Western Education: The Experiences of International Students Engaged in Service-Learning; Margaret W. Sallee and Susan C. Harris. Section II. Enhancing Student Learning. Chapter 4. Jumpstart's Service-Learning Initiative: Enhanced Outcomes for At-Risk Children; Dean Elson, Lauren Johns, and Jessica Taisey Petrie. Chapter 5. Evaluating the Impact of Peer-to-Peer Service-Learning Projects on Seat Belt Use Among High School Students: Pilot Study; Richard Bradley, Janet Eyler, Irwin Goldzweig, Paul Juarez, David Schlundt, Deon Tolliver. Chapter 6. Service-Learning as a Transformative Experience: An Analysis of the Impact of Service-Learning Learning on Student Attitudes and Behavior After Two Years of College; Matthew Bernacki and Frank Bernt. Chapter 7. Service-Learning and Literacy Motivation: Setting a Research Agenda; Steven Hart. Section III. Engaging Communities in Learning and Institutional Change. Chapter 8. Enriching School Connection and Learning in African American Urban Youth: The Impact of a Service-Learning Feasibility Project in Inner City Philadelphia; Nicole Webster. Chapter 9. Community Engagement's Role in Creating Institutional Change Within The Academy: A Case Study of East Tampa and the University of South Florida; Robin L. Ersing, Judi Jetson, Robin Jones, and Harold Keller. Section IV. Experiences of Service-Learning in Teacher Education. Chapter 10. Reversing the Lens: Transforming Teacher Education Through Service-Learning; Margaret Vickers. Chapter 11. Making Mythical Creatures Real: Developing Reflective Teachers Through Service-Learning; Angela M. Harwood, Lauren G. McClanahan, and Trula Nicholas. Section V. Building Understanding of Engaged Scholarship. Chapter 12. Engaged Scholarship: Current Context and Future Directions; Sherril B. Gelmon. Chapter 13. The International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement; Sherril B. Gelmon. About the Authors. Index