A Study of the Influence of Service on Early Adolescents' Critical and Caring Thoughts and Actions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the question of what impact opportunities for service had on early adolescents. I also hoped to discover what types of service might inspire critical, caring thought and action. Four principal implications emerged from this inquiry. For service to inspire caring, it should be practiced and personally relevant, relational, include real opportunities to take responsibility, and be based on needs that are authentic, redefined, and understood. Implications for instructional practices include insights and understanding of how service opportunities could influence meaningful growth in young adolescents' caring, empathy, and critical social consciousness.