From “Community Helpers” to “Community Service”: Using a WebQuest with Second Graders
Drawing on action research, a professor of social studies education reports on the development of a WebQuest to explore community service with second graders. Using the WebQuest, students wrote and asked appropriate questions to community workers who visited their classroom, collaboratively researched different community organizations, and selected a volunteer project that the class could accomplish. The WebQuest appeared to be developmentally appropriate, promoted higher-level thinking, and built social skills. Students completing the WebQuest showcased numerous skills advocated by the National Council for Social Studies and the Partnership for 21stCentury Skills.
Journal of the Research Center for Educational Technology, Kent State University
