26th Annual Student Research Conference
Impact of Service-Learning on Student Outcomes
Kerry C. Lee* and Jacob Sloan
Dr. Teresa Heckert, Faculty Mentor
We investigated the impact of service-learning on civic engagement attitudes, learning, and other course outcomes. Students (n = 20) in an upper-level psychology class completed weekly service hours with a local elementary school. Students submitted weekly reflective journals in which they applied course material to their site experiences. Most participants (n = 16) had not taken previously a class with a service-learning component. Students completed a 22-item civic engagement attitude scale at both the beginning and end of the semester. Despite the small sample size, statistically significant differences were found between the beginning and end of the semester on two items. Even more impressive were assessments by the students at the end of the semester. Students overwhelmingly reported a positive experience with service-learning. The vast majority indicated that the journal helped them understand better the course material and increased their confidence that they had something to offer the community.
Keywords: Psychology, Service-learning, Student outcomes
Topic(s):Psychology
Service Learning
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 107-4
Location: MG 1000
Time: 8:45