Problem Solution Project in a Social Studies Course for Preservice Teachers: Service Learning Inspired by Critical Pedagogy

• In Event: Engagement With Youth in the Community

Abstract

Problem Solution Projects (PSPs) engage students in identifying and addressing a classroom, school, community, nation, or world issue. Preservice teachers in an urban certification and Master’s program choose to tackle immigration, a timely concern and one that directly affected the elementary students with whom they were working in their field placements. As a result of examining preservice teacher and instructor reflections, findings revealed the cohort’s varied sentiments about decision-making; tensions among cohort members; and issues with clarity regarding the project/solution. Curricular and affective benefits, hallmarks of quality service learning, were also evident. The PSP supports activism/advocacy and challenges “deficit” notions of service. This is particularly important given the student populations with whom the preservice teachers will work.

Authors

• Olga S. Jarrett, Georgia State University

• Vera Stenhouse, Georgia State University