Community service learning in international context: a cross-case analysis

Abstract

Although there are a number of private-schools that implement service-learning activities within the framework of their international curricula, service-learning is a relatively new concept in public schools in Turkey. The purpose of this study is to use cross-case analysis for exploring and analyzing service-learning initiatives conducted in high school contexts in a variety of countries. To this end, the study aims to identify second-order constructs in selected cases relation to purposes, outcomes, challenges, curriculum integration, effects, opportunities, civic-international mindedness, Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) learning aims and outcomes. The study also intends to use multiple conceptual lenses to interpret the cross-case analyses for informing the practice of service learning. To this end, the researcher primarily utilizes Butin’s conceptual model to develop third-order constructs. The researcher also uses the concepts stemming from character education to further inform practice, such as values education, social-emotional learning and citizenship education. Findings provide insights into the content, processes and outcomes of service learning.