Service learning in teacher education: an institutional model for an emerging practice

Abstract

Interest in service learning is growing at a time of curriculum change in teacher education and institutional change in higher education in South Africa. This raises the question ";What models are available to guide institutions to develop service learning?"; This article outlines Pollack's typology of institutional responses to service learning in the USA. It then reviews two case studies of service learning piloted in the Wits College of Education in 2001. The article concludes that Pollack's ";professional school"; model is appropriate to promote service learning in the College. Combining ";school experience"; with service learning is a viable way to prepare students for the professional demands laid down in national policy in teacher education.


(South African Journal of Higher Education: 2003 17 (1): 105-111)