The Co-op Bridge, written by Cynthia Parsons and distributed by Woodbridge Press, raises topics that are very close to the heart of a service-learning practitioner.   In the book, Parsons cites and discusses research that supports the argument that “students learn by doing.”
 
Cooperative education comes in many forms in our schools, but all forms align with the idea that if educators are truly devoted to helping all students succeed, they should look at education through many different eyes.  Not all students are the same, and it is a good thing because not all jobs can be filled by the same kind of students. Educating students to meet the needs of potential employers requires that students have a working knowledge of the skills and demeanor needed for different positions.  From a cooperative education standpoint, there is no better way to learn these things than for students to experience them first hand.
 
Parsons explores all aspects of cooperative education and addresses some hard questions, such as “who is responsible for cooperative education” and “what happens when there is no bridge”.  Through this research, she helps readers understand the complexities of such issues and provides information and resources to form educated opinions about them. 
 
Parsons also explores attitudes held and policies practiced by businesses and agencies where our students will eventually be employed.  Many of these policies and practices support student internships and apprenticeships that meet the educational goals of students with different abilities.  If you are involved in such a program, this book can provide detailed research to support the important work you are doing.  If you are not involved or if you are skeptical of such efforts, this book may compel you to involve your students in a similar program.
 
To order The co-op Bridge or other works by Cynthia Parsons, visit http://www.woodbridgepress.com/Pages/Education.html.