How Service-Learning in Spanish Speaks to the Crisis in the Humanities

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2013

Publication Title

Hispania

First Page

229

Last Page

237

Additional Publication URL

http://www.aatsp.org

Abstract

Service-learning is a transformational pedagogy with timely application to the teaching and learning of foreign languages. In our current climate of assessment outcomes, language study and the humanities more generally tend to be devalued and rendered invisible by utilitarian models of evaluation. Incorporating service-learning courses and experiences into the foreign language classroom provides real- world immersion for students in their local linguistic and cultural communities, satisfies teachers’ desires to connect teaching and research to local community issues, and allows departments to meet institutional and educational goals. Indeed, service-learning points us to new definitions of old concepts—such as the role of the professor and the mission of the university—and embodies the paradoxes we must embrace in the new century.

Rights

The version of record can be found through AATSP.

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