Doing Diversity through Service Learning

As a significant part of the college course Human Relations in a Multicultural Society, pre-service teachers are engaged in service-learning and reflection as two of the primary methods to develop cultural awareness and appreciation, human relations skills, and positive dispositions about diverse groups in society. Eleven oppressed groups in U.S. society are the focus of students' study, experience in the community, and reflection. Education students "do" diversity through eighteen contact hours of service-learning with a group that is outside their comfort zone. Specific planned objectives are addressed throughout the service-learning experience. At the conclusion of the service-learning, students reflect on the experience.