Service-Learning in the Community as Part of a Preservice Elementary Multicultural Education Course

• In Event: 44.084 - Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 44.084-5 - Service-Learning for Preservice and In-Service Teachers

Abstract

This qualitative study examined a service learning component as part of a multicultural course for pre-service elementary education students. Students worked in community based settings instead of school or school-like settings. The study examines student concerns, student growth, how students represent their learning, and the effective features of a service learning project. Three themes emerged regarding the effective features of a service learning project: work in their community; importance of the work; and, how much students stretched themselves. When students worked in their own community doing work that they perceived as important or valuable, they tended to show more growth during the semester. In addition, students who selected projects outside of their comfort also showed more growth.

Author

• Kathleen Carroll Luttenegger, Metropolitan State University of Denver