Studying Service-Learning: Innovations in Education Research Methodology

✍ Scribed by Shelley H. Billig, Alan S. Waterman

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 248
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This volume represents a breakthrough discussion of the research issues surrounding innovative pedagogies. Using service-learning as its focus, it explores ways in which researchers and evaluators can study a teaching and learning approach that has multiple goals, including both academic and affective development. The chapter authors show how to study a topic that is multilayered, complex, and involves the ways in which individuals make meaning of their experiences. Seven challenges that researchers need to grapple with in studying service-learning are identified and addressed: defining service-learning; basing service-learning research on strong theoretical foundations; refining service-learning research design and methodology; interpreting service-learning results; disseminating service-learning research findings; improving service-learning practice; and building funding to support service-learning research. In addition, practical recommendations are provided for professionals involved in doing research on service-learning and more broadly on any form of experiential education, community service and development, or educational reform. Studying Service-Learning: Innovations in Education Research Methodology is an essential resource for researchers who are interested in studying innovative teaching and learning strategies and for students who are learning about a range of research methodologies.

✦ Table of Contents

Book Cover......Page 1
Title......Page 4
Copyright......Page 5
Contents......Page 6
Introduction Studying Service-Learning: Challenges and Solutions......Page 8
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS......Page 13
1 Service-Learning Research: Foundational Issues......Page 16
2 Issues of Definition and Program Diversity in the Study of Service-Learning......Page 26
3 Epistemology and Service-Learning Research......Page 46
4 Using Developmental and Learning Theory in the Design and Evaluation of K-16 Service-Learning Programs......Page 56
5 Issues Regarding the Selection of Variables for Study in the Context of the Diversity of Possible Student Outcomes of Service-Learning......Page 80
6 Creating and Utilizing Databases on Service-Learning......Page 96
7 Issues of Research Design and Statistical Analysis......Page 110
8 Practical Issues in the Conduct of Large-Scale, Multisite Research and Evaluation......Page 126
9 Self-Assessment for Service-Learning......Page 148
10 Teacher Research in Service-Learning......Page 170
11 Expanding the Paradigm: Students as Researchers in Service-Learning......Page 182
12 The Promise and Challenge of Service-Learning Portraiture Research......Page 200
ABOUT THE AUTHORS......Page 214
Author Index......Page 218
Subject Index......Page 222