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In response to the marginalization of social studies instruction in U.S. elementary schools, these teacher educators developed a study to explore the impact that service-learning might have on the preparation of elementary teacher candidates. These authors specifically designed a study in which elementary teacher candidates created and implemented an interdisciplinary unit in which service learning was embedded as a critical piece of academic instruction for elementary students. Quality controls for the instructional units were ensured through the provision of instruction for the service-learning component for the elementary teacher candidates prior to their clinical practice semester. Data for the study were generated through pre-and post-surveys, focus groups, and document analysis. Findings revealed that elementary teacher candidates reported a greater understanding of service-learning, a greater degree of teacher efficacy, and perception of an increased notion of civic engagement by their students as a result of having created and implemented the interdisciplinary instructional unit during their clinical practice semester.

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