A volume in Advances in Service-Learning Research
Series Editor Shelley H. Billig, RMC Research Corporation, Denver
Research on service-learning and community engagement has exploded over the past
decade. It is a field now characterized by increasing methodological and theoretical
sophistication, vast quantitative and qualitative studies, interdisciplinary research, myriad
subjects, and the internationalization of scholarship.
The papers in this volume were selected from nearly 100 presentations made at
the 2009 annual conference of the International Association for Research on Service
Learning and Community Engagement held in Ottawa, Canada's national capital. The
conference theme, Research for What? emphasized fundamental questions, namely: to
what extent is rigorous research uncovering best practices in, and demonstrating the positive results of, service-learning on
teaching, learning and building better communities? The papers examine such themes through lenses that include the
application of theory to practice, K-12 and university-based service-learning, interdisciplinary initiatives, and international
service-learning. The introduction provides an overview of the very recent, but remarkable, growth of service-learning in
Canada, and the conclusion, written by the recipient of the Association's annual Distinguished Researcher Award, discusses
major developments, and continuing challenges, in service-learning research.