Community Service-Learning for Spanish Heritage Learners

“In this elegantly written book, Lowther-Pereira provides cogent arguments for the enormous value of implementing community-service learning (CSL) in the heritage language classroom. She argues that CSL can play a fundamental role in the heritage language classroom by helping learners develop increased awareness of relevant community issues as well as learn about the complex relations between language, culture, and social structures of power which are difficult to teach in the classroom. Among other things, CSL helps teachers create opportunities for students to meaningfully use the HL, make connections, and validate their linguistic strengths. In order to show the benefits of CSL, the author includes a thorough report of a study conducted to measure its effectiveness both quantitatively and qualitatively. This book is a must for any heritage language teacher who seeks to implement CLS in their classes or any researchers interested in an in-depth review of this timely topic. The author provides step-by-step guidelines for the design and implementation of CLS together as well as best practices that teachers will find greatly beneficial. This book will inform heritage language teachers for years to come!”

“As the number of Spanish heritage language learners continues to increase across the US, educators seek more meaningful ways to engage their interests and abilities in the language and build beneficial relationships with local communities. Lowther Pereira cogently demonstrates how Community Service-Learning achieves these necessary aims and provides us with a blueprint for collective success.”

“This book is must-read for the fields of community service learning and heritage language education. Lowther Pereira has deftly combined a case study with broader implications across different contexts, with important social justice implications for both students and communities.”