25th Annual Student Research Conference
"Student Perceptions of Classroom Service-Learning Experiences"
Kerry C. Lee*, Kayla Maassen , and Clair A. Reynolds
Dr. Teresa Heckert, Faculty Mentor
This study examined students' perceptions of the value and usefulness of a service learning experience in upper-level psychology courses across three different semesters. In addition, building on prior research, we compared civic engagement attitudes from the end and beginning of the semester. We collected data from course evaluations in upper level psychology courses from spring 2010, spring 2011, and fall 2011. In the fall 2011 group, we had pre- and post-experience data with several significant results, including students' feeling that they could make a difference, as well as having something to offer to the local community. Our sample was predominately upperclassmen psychology majors (n=123), with more females than males. For most of our sample, this was the first time they had taken a class with a service-learning component. Students reported that the experience helped them to apply the course material and recommended keeping the service-learning component of the class.
Keywords: Service-learning, Psychology
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 313-5
Location: MG 1000
Time: 2:00