Faculty+reflections+on+international+service-learning

Download a PDF of this page **Faculty reflections on international service-learning **

Jessica Arends, Instructor, Pennsylvania State University [jha10@psu.edu]


 * Keywords:** International, faculty, interdisciplinary, critical research


 * Conference track:** Faculty


 * Format:** Poster presentation

This qualitative critical research study analyzes data from multiple reflection sessions held with a group of interdisciplinary faculty who facilitate transformational learning through international service-learning. Through critical inquiry and discussion sessions, this study accomplishes two goals: (a) gives greater insight into the processes by which faculty members conceptualize international service-learning and (b) serves as an extension of practice by facilitating faculty reflection. Themes salient to participants included: pre-departure orientation for students, institutional challenges, community impacts, assessment and best practices. Findings reveal a need for faculty resources in the form of facilitation training, logistical support and institutional recognition. Also, informal reflective spaces may play a significant role in the sustaining the practice of international service-learning in higher education.
 * Summary**

Research questions addressed in this study include the following:
 * · What are the areas of practice that are of most concern or in need of most support among ISL practitioners?
 * · How do ISL practitioners describe their course objectives?
 * · How does collaborative reflection influence their conceptualization of these objectives?

Berliner, D. C. (2002). Comment: Educational research: The hardest science of all. //Educational Researcher//, //31//(8), 18.
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