Community Engagement Program Implementation and Teacher Preparation for 21st Century Education

This volume compiles 14 articles by education and other specialists from the US, UK, Mexico, and China, who address community engagement program implementation and service learning, with an emphasis on teacher preparation. They discuss collaborations across curricula and educational contexts, such as mutual and reciprocal schooling between K-12 students, college students, and faculty, as well as working with English language learners, place-based education, science education, and international experiences; community engagement and service learning online; and other aspects, such as service learning for children.

Providing opportunities and examples where students can learn through involvement in community, this volume is part of the Advances in Educational Marketing, Administration, and Leadership (AEMAL) Book Series which focuses on contemporary trends and research in education.
Contributions to this collection were overseen by editors Cathryn Crosby and Frederick Brockmeier and an editorial advisory board. The book is divided into three sections: Community Engagement Collaboration across Curricula and Contexts, Community Engagement Online, and Further Considerations. Chapters have solid introductions and the conclusion and references at the end of chapters provide researchers with pathways to further study. Black-and-white tables, charts, and figures provide additional data. Other useful tools such as a glossary of terms are found at the conclusion of each chapter. Back Matter is adequate though the index is only marginal.
Community is crucial to pedagogy in the twenty-first century. Whether global or local, service learning is a way to understand and participate in community life. Active learning, and being engaged in the experience, leads to quality learning for future educators and their community of students; the reciprocal nature of this learning expands the educational impact for all. The studies here come from a global perspective and also share individual perspectives. Such chapters as " Collaborations between Elementary Schools and Higher Education: Lessons Learned from Community-Engaged Science Education Efforts," "The Tamaula Project: Service Learning in Central Mexico," "Calling for Children Friendly Community Life: Voices of Children and Parents from China," giv a sense of the scope of this work.
Service learning is a key component to developing community partnerships and authentic learning. Community Engagement Program Implementation and Teacher Preparation for 21st Century Education is a solid introduction for understanding the philosophy of service learning for elementary students up through preservice teachers. Educators, administrators, and community volunteers will benefit from the inspiration and project research included here.