Enhancing the Public Good in Justice-Based Service-Learning: Studying the Perspectives of Community Partners

• In Event: Advancing the Public Good: Experiential Education and Service-Learning Answer the Call

Abstract

This paper reports on a critical ethnographic case study that examined perspectives of community organization staff involved in a community-driven service-learning partnership (SLP). The study aimed to understand the impact of the SLP for community organization partners, and the communities they serve, a perspective often overlooked in service-learning literature. Further, findings support teacher education programs in implementing collaborative and reciprocal service-learning programs. Drawing from critical pedagogy, this study revealed that community-led service-learning partnerships, when designed and implemented through an anti-oppressive lens, can contribute to the long-term goals of community organizations. An analysis of in-depth interviews with community organization staff and observations during site visits led to the development of a critical service-learning model to strengthen teacher education partnerships.

Authors

• Darren E. Lund, University of Calgary

• Lianne Lee, University of Calgary

• Rae Ann Van Beers, University of Calgary