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| From the Editors: |
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  In honor of the Seventh International Research Conference on Service-Learning and Community Engagement held in Tampa Florida on October 7-9th, we’re focusing this edition of Learn and Serve America's National Service-Learning Clearinghouse e-newsletter on research.
This year's conference, "Sustainability and Scholarship: Research and the K-20 Continuum," featured the announcement of the formation of the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE).This international nonprofit membership organization is devoted to promoting research and discussion about service-learning and community engagement and will be responsible for the research conference and the publication of its proceedings each year. To learn more, to become a member, and/or to join one of the organization’s committees, visit http://www.researchslce.org/. Session handouts will be housed on the IARSLCE website and papers from the conference will be refereed for a post-conference edited book on research. Read last year's papers in the just-released edition of the Advances in Service-learning Research series, From Passion to Objectivity: International and Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives on Service-Learning Research, edited by Sherril B. Gelmon, Portland State University, and Shelley H. Billig, RMC Research Corporation.
NSLC would like to extend congratulations to Janet Eyler who was honored with the Fifth Annual Service-Learning and Community Engagement Research Award at this year's conference. We also congratulate Shelley Billig, of RMC Research, NSLC’s K-12 Program Advisor, who was recognized for her service to IARSLCE with the Award of Distinction.
One of the topics of most consistent discussion at the conference was the needs of graduate students and early career faculty in service-learning. NSLC played a part in this conversation by releasing our publication, Recent Dissertations on Service and Service-Learning Topics: Volume IV (2004-2006). This volume contains abstracts of dissertations and theses written on service-learning and related topics organized by author, by discipline, by sector, and by subject. It also provides a brief analysis of dissertations’ research methods used, topics addressed, and departments in order to provide a richer picture of the state of graduate research in service-learning today. Order your copy today at http://www.servicelearning.org/pubs/index.php.
Remember, whether your focus is research or practice or both, we are always happy to hear from you, so send your feedback, ideas, and questions to us.
Barbara and Liberty
Barbara Holland, National Service-Learning Clearinghouse Director
Liberty Smith, National Service-Learning Clearinghouse Program Manager |
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| News: |
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Rescuing Recess Volunteer Challenge!
Now through June 2008, Rescuing Recess is recruiting volunteers all over the country to serve as recess monitors at their local elementary school. One school in every state and DC that completes the most volunteer hours has a chance to win up to $2,500 in cash grants and to compete for one national grant of $25,000! Visit RescuingRecess.com for more information. |
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Just released from Campus Compact: Earn, Learn, and Serve: Getting the Most from Community Service Federal Work-Study
Until now, the only widely available writing on this topic included scattered articles and resources posted on the web, and a handbook produced annually by the Department of Education for Student Aid. This new online collection of resources provides a thorough overview of community service Federal Work Study. This online publication assembles valuable articles, tools, and case studies to guide campuses in making the best possible use of FWS to develop student leaders, advance civic engagement efforts, and strengthen communities. In addition to articles by practitioners with models from more than 25 colleges and universities, this guide offers expert analysis, principles of best practice, and sample planning documents from institutions with successful programs. Erin Bowley, editor.
http://www.compact.org/fws/ |
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| New From NSLC: |
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 Recent Dissertations on Service and Service-Learning Topics: Volume IV (2004-2006)
The fourth volume of Learn and Serve America's National Service-Learning Clearinghouse's collection of recent service-learning thesis and dissertation abstracts is now available in print form through our publications order department and for free download from our website!
Containing citation information for 144 dissertations and theses from the years 2004-2006, this volume also provides a brief analysis of the collection of dissertations and theses in order to provide a richer picture of the current state of service-learning research. The analysis includes types of research methods used, topics the research was addressing, and departments in which service-learning graduate research is being conducted. Each abstract is listed alphabetically by author and contains information on university, department, advisor, year of publication, and page length. Three additional access points sort the collection by sector, subject, and discipline.
Smith, Liberty and Heather J. Martin, Eds. Recent Disserations
on Service and Service-Learning Topics: Volume IV, 2004-2006. Scotts
Valley, CA: National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, 2007.
http://www.servicelearning.org/filemanager/download/Dissertations_VolumeIV_v2_web.pdf |
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| People are Talking About... |
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A recent topic on the Higher Education Service-Learning discussion list has been the connection between faith-based communities and service-learning. Discussion list members have talked about the prevalence of service-learning in the work of faith-based groups, and suggest opportunities for those groups to become involved internationally and locally. You can read this thread at
http://lists.etr.org/read/messages?id=82473#82473.
If you're not yet a part of a service-learning discussion list, please
join us in discussing this and other topics in service-learning
practice and scholarship by visiting http://www.servicelearning.org/what_is_service-learning/lists_news/index.php#ls. |
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| Access Materials from the NSLC Library: |
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Learn
and Serve America Grantees can borrow from our library of more than
6,000 items on service-learning. Borrowers can check out up to three
items at a time, for a one-month lending period. We ship the items to
you via UPS 3-day delivery. To get started borrowing from the NSLC
library, you'll need to have a Loan Agreement form on file with us (a
brief form with your contact information). To get started, visit our
borrowing information page here: http://www.servicelearning.org/library/phys_coll/index.php.
If you're not a grantee but would still like to access materials on
service-learning, be sure to visit our growing e-Library collection at http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/fulltext.php. |
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| Featured Library Resources: |
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New Research on Service-Learning and Related Topics:
 Civic Measurement Models: Tapping Adolescents' Civic Engagement
This study looked at aspects of adolescents’ civic behaviors, opinions,
knowledge, and dispositions. The data used to derive the civic measures
were gathered from two waves of surveys with 1,924 students ages 12-18
from 88 social studies classes in the Northeastern United States,
during the 2004 election campaign.
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7167
 From Passion to Objectivity: International and Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives on Service-Learning Research
This volume is the seventh in the Advances in Service-learning Research series, and presents a collection of papers selected from those presented at the Sixth International Service-Learning Research Conference, hosted by Portland State University in October 2006.
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7252
 Making a Difference in Schools: The Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring Impact Study
This
report presents the findings from a landmark random assignment impact
study of Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring—the first
national study of this program model.
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7175
 The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts
This
research report looks at the reasons behind the nation’s low graduation
rates through the perspective of high school dropouts. One argument
made is that more opportunities for real-world learning, such as
service-learning would have improved students' chances of staying in
school.
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7242 |
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| Order Publications from NSLC: |
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Did you know that as well as providing the most comprehensive library
of service-learning materials, NSLC offers copies of many of our most
popular resources for free or low cost to both grantees and
non-grantees? As well as service-learning best-sellers like At A Glance and A Practitioner's Guide to Reflection in Service-Learning,
you can order your own copy of the Bring Learning to Life DVD and
brochure, or order NSLC promotional items for your next event. The
order process is easy. Just fill out the form online and let us do the
rest! http://www.servicelearning.org/pubs/index.php. |
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| What's Happening: |
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Seventh National Conference on Service in Indian Country
October 30 - November 2, 2007
Sparks, NV
Sponsor: The Corporation for National & Community Service and ACKCO, Inc.
http://www.servicelearning.org/events_jobs/slconf_events/index.php?action=detailed&event=636
2007 11th Annual Conference Healthy Communities Healthy Youth
November 8 - 10, 2007
Rochester, NY
Sponsor: Search Institute
http://www.servicelearning.org/events_jobs/slconf_events/index.php?action=detailed&event=583
Surfing the Wave of Change
December 12 - 14, 2007
San Diego, CA
Sponsor: Youth Service America
http://www.servicelearning.org/events_jobs/slconf_events/index.php?action=detailed&event=644
Intentional Learning, Unscripted Challenges, Knowledge and Imagination for an Interdependent World
January 23 - 26, 2007
Washington, DC
Sponsor: Association of American Colleges and Universities
http://servicelearning.org/events_jobs/slconf_events/index.php?action=detailed&event=650
12th Annual Institute: Service-Learning and Civic Engagement
February 7 - 8, 2007
Mount Pleasant, MI
Sponsor: Michigan Campus Compact
http://servicelearning.org/events_jobs/slconf_events/index.php?action=detailed&event=637 |
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| Learn and Serve America Grantee Materials Roundup: |
Have you ever been convinced that your program isn't the first to try a particular idea? Do you wonder if others would be interested in your project discoveries? Whether you're just starting out, or have been engaged in service-learning for years, let the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse make the connection for you. We collect materials created by service-learning programs and add them to our library for others to access. If you have produced surveys, forms, curricula, project plans, or any type of materials that could be shared with others involved in service-learning, send them our way! Check out this list of recent grantee submissions to find evaluation tools, program ideas, publicity ideas, strategies for measuring learning, etc.
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/grantee_submitted_mats.php.
Whether or not you're a Learn and Serve America Grantee, let others
know about the successful approaches used in your service-learning
program. Submit today at http://www.servicelearning.org/library/mat_contrib/index.php.
Remember that Learn and Serve America grantees must submit publications
and other resources developed through their funded activities. |
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Benefits of Service-Learning: Shaping the Attitudes of K-12 Students
SCALE
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7234
The Building Active Citizens and Social Capital Project: Summative Evaluation Report
Upper Midwest Campus Compact Consortium
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7245
Learn and Serve America Meth Free Tennessee: Youth Edition, Evaluation #1
Volunteer Tennessee
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7239
Planning K-12 Service-Learning: Impacting the Lives of K-12 Learners in the Classroom and the Community
SCALE
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7235
Using Service-Learning in Pre-Service Education Programs: A Brief Review of the Current Literature
SCALE
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7233
***And a thank you to those who sent photos to feature on the new website design! If you haven’t submitted your photo yet, please do so at http://www.servicelearning.org/library/mat_contrib/share_photo_form.php. |
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| Shape NSLC! |
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Did you know that as well as traditional library materials, we collect and disseminate electronic versions of sample forms, lesson plans, and syllabi?
Click on the link below to download a materials contribution form to submit resource materials you have developed for evaluation by NSLC staff and possible inclusion in the NSLC resource collection.
http://www.servicelearning.org/lib_svcs/mat_contrib/
For other ways to share your materials, stories, and photos, visit:
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/share/.
We appreciate the contributions you make to the enhancement of the National Service Learning Clearinghouse, America 's Resource for Service-Learning Information. |
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| Success Stories: |
| Success stories are a way for NSLC to highlight and show off what you have done and are doing in the realm of service-learning.
Submit your story. |
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Students and Teachers Engage in Service Learning (A Learn and Serve America Subgrantee)
 Last
fall, teachers at Powerhouse, a small school within Lakewood's Clover
Park High school, kicked off the school year by spending one of their
half-day professional development sessions participating in community
service projects. The staff was divided into four groups and worked at
a soup kitchen, family resource center, organic farm for disabled
adults, and local wetlands. Afterwards they debriefed and talked about
the implications for service learning and the possible applications to
their classrooms.
"For our small school, we see service as an important component of
citizenship, and citizenship is a value we all hold as one of our three
core values," explains Debra Shanafelt, administrator at Powerhouse.
"Service learning is a powerful instructional strategy for making
learning more relevant and meaningful by giving students more ownership
and more choice," says Deb. "Since we are a CES school, we also like
that it embraces a number of the CES Principles, including 'student as
worker' and 'using one's mind well.' Service learning is a type of
instruction that engages all different types of learners."
This year, ten Clover Park teachers—six from Powerhouse and four from
other academies—are implementing service learning projects in their
classrooms. Clover Park plans to implement service learning in all four
academies and content areas during the next two years. Kristie
Fetterly, who teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History at Powerhouse,
believes service learning helps connect student learning with what is
happening in the community. "For the students in my class, they were
given the opportunity to participate in the history, instead of just
reading about it," she explains.
Kristie started the year using the traditional AP history textbook, but
soon decided that she needed to supplement it when her students
reported the text was "boring." Kristie asked her students to
brainstorm topics they were interested in learning and out of their
conversations developed the Lakewood History Project, which connects
Lakewood history to the larger national historical context. Throughout
the project, Kristie's students partnered with the Lakewood Historical
Society and the Lakewood History Museum to create a documentary on the
political history of Lakewood. For Kristie, a third-year teacher,
service learning has required her to "step out of the traditional
teacher role and act more like a coach."
"Instead of 'stand and deliver,' I am sharing content and helping
students work on projects based on their individual interests."
Kristie's students were so excited about the Lakewood History Project
that they recently began a second project that involves research and
fact checking for the Tacoma Civil Rights Project, an exhibit that will
open next year at the Washington State History Museum.
For more information about this project, please contact Mary Beth
Lambert at the Coalition of Essential Schools Northwest Service
Learning Network, 7900 E. Greenlake Dr., N., Suite 212, Seattle, WA
98103, marybeth@cesnw.org - http://www.cesnorthwest.org. |
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View other success stories. |
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Spread the Good News! |
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NSLC
is all about sharing, so please feel free to forward to friends and
colleagues and invite them to subscribe by sending a blank email to join-nslc-newsletter@lists.etr.org.
You're also welcome to incorporate excerpts from the newsletter into
your own newsletter (just be sure to cite Learn and Serve America's
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse NSLC Newsletter and send us a
copy). |
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