Sustaining+service+learning+best+practices

Ann Ludwick, Undergraduate Program Director, George Mason University [aludwick@gmu.edu]
 * Sustaining service-learning: Best practices at six exemplar U.S. community colleges **

**Keywords:** Community colleges, best practices, service-learning, sustainability, grounded theory

**Track:** Theoretical or conceptual frameworks to advance research

**Format:** Panel presentation

**Date & time:** Friday 10:50-12:00 **Location:** Salon 1

**Summary:** The purpose of my study was to identify factors associated with program longevity at six community colleges where service-learning has been consistently used since 1995. This study provides a descriptive account and analysis of the status of organizational issues and use of service-learning in U.S. community colleges currently offering such programs. It also provides practical factors influencing program survival in terms of internal and external barriers. There is a clear need at the community college level to understand sustainable service-learning programs and to gauge the value of institutional and community connections. I looked at service-learning from an institutional perspective. Studies on program institutionalization, new institutionalism theory, and a service-learning assessment model proposed by Driscoll, Holland, Gelmon, and Kerrigan (1996) helped frame this study.

Interviews with program coordinators, faculty, and presidents provided multiple viewpoints of the current state of service-learning at six institutions. Findings revealed that robust programs started with a strong foundation, made positive connections across the college and throughout the community, had organizational structures aligned with service, used service-learning to emphasize student learning, and recognized the practical application of this method for career and work purposes. Barriers affecting programs within the college and community partners revolved around communication, procedural, and organizational issues. The six colleges have demonstrated that long-term service-learning offers practical, real-world learning opportunities for students, the college, and the community.

**References:** Bringle, R. G., & Hatcher, J. A. (2000). Institutionalization of service learning in higher education. //The Journal of Higher Education, 71//(3), 273-290.

Driscoll, A., Holland, B., Gelmon, S., & Kerrigan, S. (1996). An assessment model for service-learning: Comprehensive case studies of impact on faculty, students, community, and institution. //Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 3//,66-71.

Eyler, J., & Giles, Jr., D. E. (1999). //Where’s the learning in service-learning?// San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Furco, A. (2002). //Self-assessment rubric for the institutionalization of service-learning in higher education// (Rev. ed.). Berkeley, CA: University of California.

Hinck, S. S., & Brandell, M.E. (2000). The relationship between institutional support and campus acceptance of academic service learning. //American Behavioral Scientist,// //43//(5), 868-881.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Merriam, S. B. (1998). //Qualitative research and case study applications in education.// San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Prentice, M., Robinson, G., & McPhee, S. (2003). //Service learning in community colleges: 2003 national survey results.// (American Association of Community Colleges Research Brief No. AACC-RB-03-1). Washington, DC: AACC.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Robinson, G., & Barnett, L. (1996). //Service learning and community colleges: Where we are.// (American Association of Community Colleges Survey Report). Washington, DC: AACC.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Strong, E. C., Green, P. M., Meyer, M., & Post, M. A. (2009). Future directions in campus-community partnerships: Location of service-learning offices and activities in higher education. In J. Strait, & M. Lima (Eds.), //The future of service-learning: New solutions for sustaining and improving practice// (pp. 9-32). Sterling, VA: Stylus.

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