Service Learning: A Promising Strategy for Connecting Future Teachers to the Lives of Diverse Children and Their Families

Abstract

This article provides a description of service learning implemented in a course entitled "Working With Socioculturally Diverse Families" for teacher education candidates (preK–grade 5). Students participated in 30 hours of service learning in which they provided support and service to diverse mentor families and implemented family events at participating schools. Students’ reflections from focus group interviews conducted after the course regarding their service learning experiences were coded and analyzed. Students reported learning about the dynamics of family diversity, how family resources and backgrounds influence children's school success, and how family involvement should be viewed as a continuum given the diverse priorities and resources of families. Recommendations for the use of service learning in the preparation of early childhood teachers are presented.