The Impact of Service-Learning on Preservice Teachers' Attitudes, Relationships, and Pedagogy

• In Event: Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Fostering Meaningful Outcomes for Service-Learning in Teacher Education

Abstract

This article explores the experiences of pre-service teachers who participated in a service learning project in a rural after-school setting with students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Qualitative data documenting pre-service teachers’ experiences were collected from: Online group discussions, self-reflection essays, and in-class presentations. Data were analyzed using qualitative coding; the following three themes emerged: Pre-service teachers’ shifting attitudes, relationships with young children, and instructional challenges. Findings provide support for the usefulness of service learning experiences to provide important insights for pre-service teachers.

Authors

• Tingting Xu, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Carolyn Stufft, Stephen F. Austin State University