Intercultural Service Learning

Theory, Practice and Assessment

By (author) Petra Rauschert, Jacqueline Alexander

Publication date:

13 May 2025

Publisher

Multilingual Matters

Dimensions:

234x156mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781800414266

This book provides a much-needed overview of the theory and practice of intercultural service learning (ISL), an approach that combines curricular learning, intercultural encounters and community service. It includes a model that outlines the essential components of this pedagogy and which is intended to serve as a foundation for practitioners developing their projects. Practical examples offer templates and inspiration, while the scholarly examination of the projects demonstrates the approach's potential. The book concludes with considerations on how to assess intercultural and democratic competences in ISL projects and practical implementation guidelines. Suitable for both in-service foreign language educators at all levels and for use in teacher training, the book provides a practical guide to a holistic pedagogy that is increasingly being used by educators keen to engage their students in an ever more interconnected world.

Tables and Figures

Contributors

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations

Student Voices

Michael Byram: Foreword

Petra Rauschert: Introduction

Part 1: Intercultural Service Learning (ISL) – Concepts and Standards
1.1 Petra Rauschert and Jacqueline Alexander: Interculturality in the Foreign Language Classroom
1.2 Jacqueline Alexander: Defining Intercultural Service Learning
1.3 Jacqueline Alexander: Quality Standards
1.4 Jacqueline Alexander: Effects and Potential of ISL
1.5 Petra Rauschert: Critical Perspectives
1.6 Petra Rauschert: Pedagogies Related to ISL

Part 2: Theoretical Frameworks
2.1 Petra Rauschert: Integrating ISL and Intercultural Citizenship Education
2.2 Petra Rauschert: A Comprehensive Model of Intercultural Service Learning in Foreign Language Education
2.3 Petra Rauschert: Structuring ISL Projects

Part 3: ISL in Practice: Ideas, Examples and Evaluation
3.1 ISL Type I (Within One Country)
3.1.1 Petra Rauschert and Claudia Mustroph: Global Peace Path
3.1.2 Jacqueline Alexander, Petra Rauschert and Michelle Stannard: Around the World in 30 Recipes
3.1.3 Ilianna Mitskopoulou: Museum Project
3.2 ISL Type II (Between Countries)
3.2.1 Petra Rauschert: Happiness – Perspectives from India and Germany
3.2.2 Petra Rauschert: Students Training Managers
3.2.3 Xinrui Chang, Petra Rauschert and Aman Verma: Wiser Decisions – An Ecopedagogical Approach Based on Literature

Part 4. Assessing ISL Projects
4.1 Jacqueline Alexander: Assessing Learning in ISL Projects – General Considerations
4.2 Jacqueline Alexander: Assessing Intercultural Citizenship Competence
4.3 Petra Rauschert: Assessing Democratic Competences in ISL Projects

Jacqueline Alexander: Concluding Remarks

Glossary

Index

This exciting and innovative book makes a major contribution to our understanding of intercultural service learning. It provides a detailed description of this important pedagogical approach, which will be of considerable interest to education practitioners and researchers alike, especially those with interests in foreign language education, civic education and intercultural citizenship. It will be the definitive guide to the topic for many years to come. Highly recommended.