Critical Questions and Directions for the Next Generation of Practitioners

In this introductory chapter, the author discusses the importance of continuing the ongoing conversation about the issues and challenges facing the "next generation" of service-learning practitioners. She states that "much valuable work has occurred over the last 20 years. Pioneers and leaders of this movement are moving into academic administration, and many are either retiring or are close to retiring. Who will pick up the work? How are we engaging our junior faculty in service-learning and community-based learning? Is this work being valued by institutions and communities? Now that a generation of K-12 students has moved into college and university settings, what is the next step or level of engagement for them?" This book is divided into three themes: institutional and administrative issues of service-learning, service-learning as a springboard for research, and the future evolution of service-learning.