Service Learning

The Essence of the Pedagogy

The Advances in ServiceLearning Research book series was established to initiate the publication of a set of comprehensive research volumes that would present and discuss a wide range of issues in this broad field called servicelearning. Servicelearning is a multifaceted pedagogy that crosses all levels of schooling, has potential relevance to all academic and professional disciplines, is connected to a range of dynamic social issues, and operates within a broad range of community contexts. In terms of research, there is much terrain to cover before a full understanding of servicelearning can be achieved. This volume, the first in the annual book series, explores various themes, issues, and answers that bring us one step closer to understanding the essence of servicelearning. The chapters of this volume focus on a broad range of topics that address a variety of research issues on servicelearning in K12 education, teacher education, and higher education. Through a widescoped research lens, the volume explores definitional foundations of servicelearning, theoretical issues regarding servicelearning, the impacts of servicelearning, and methodological approaches to studying servicelearning. Collectively, the chapters of the book provide varying and, at times, opposing perspectives on some of the critical issues regarding servicelearning research and practice.