Service-learning courses offer the opportunity for students to make sense of the social world by recognizing its political and ethical dimensions through practical engagement in community problems. This paper presents pedagogical resources to inspire students in service-learning courses to experience: 1) dialogue inside and outside the class, 2) critical inquiry into a social issue, and, 3) surprises that invite students to activate civic responsibility. The interplay of dialogue, critical inquiry, and surprises presents the opportunity for students to experience how they can shape and redefine their roles in society, and as importantly, how society can change as a result of their involvement.
