Dynamic Tensions of Service-Learning in Higher Education: A Philosophical Perspective, (The)

This article discusses the philosophical tensions that currently exist within institutions trying to implement service-learning programs into their cultures. The authors state that these tensions are caused by false philosophical dualisms within which the university structure operates. They examine the areas of dualistic tension with four questions. First, the learning question: the debate over what the cognitive, measurable goal of service learning really is, and how that relates to the affective goals service learning can achieve. Second, the locational question: the question of who is in charge of service learning; is it a faculty responsibility, or should it fall under a student affairs or continuing education jurisdiction? Third, the organization of work question; expectations that are placed on faculty to research and publish do not allow them the time to integrate service learning into their study. And fourth, the implementation question: what are the necessary components and who are the necessary parties for introducing and maintaining a successful service-learning system. The authors argue that by using the theories of John Dewey as they relate to service learning and the false dualisms that occur within the university, one can better understand how to overcome the tensions that the four questions address. Dewey wanted a system of seamless learning without false divisions. Thus for the learning question, Dewey's theory would suggest that one eliminate the separation between cognitive and affective goals, and evaluate success based on a combination of both. For the locational question, there would be no departmental division for service learning. All departments should work together. For the organization of work question, there would be no such thing as pure research without community involvement. They would be one and the same, and faculty reward systems would recognize that essential combination. And for the implementation question, all parties involved (students, communities, faculty, administrators) would have a say in what needs to be done in a spirit of collaboration.