Title: Service-learning in the undergraduate economics classroom

Authors: Valerie K. Kepner

Addresses: Department of Economics, King's College, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711, USA

Abstract: Service-learning is a valuable tool in demonstrating to undergraduate students the real-life effects of applying abstract economic theories. Courses in public economics, and money and banking are especially well-suited to service-learning activities. Students are able to apply economic theories to local programs serving the hungry, the sick, and the financially disadvantaged. This paper will describe the service-learning projects assigned to students over the last several years and present qualitative evidence of student satisfaction (and dissatisfaction). The paper will conclude with reflections on the value of service-learning in teaching students the importance of the immediate social, cultural, and economic environment in determining one's opportunity to prosper and why this matters.

Keywords: service-learning; pluralism; public economics; higher education; economics education; money and banking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2020.111292

International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education, 2020 Vol.11 No.2, pp.160 - 171

Accepted: 30 Jul 2020
Published online: 17 Nov 2020 *

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