RESEARCH AND SERVICE LEARNING
The third edition of "At a Glance: What we Know about the Effects of Service Learning on College Students, Faculty, Institutions and Communities, 1993-2000" summarizes the findings of service learning research. Below are a few excerpts:
The Impact of Service Learning on Students
- RELATIONSHIP WITH INSTITUTION
- Students engaged in service learning report stronger faculty relationships than those who are not involved in service learning
- Service learning improves student satisfaction with the college
- Students engaged in service learning are more likely to graduate
- LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Students and faculty report that service learning has a positive impact on students' academic learning
- Students and faculty report that service learning improves students' ability to apply what they have learned in the "real world"
- Service learning participation has an impact on such academic outcomes as demonstrated complexity of understanding, problem analysis, critical thinking and cognitive development
- PERSONAL OUTCOMES
- Service learning has a positive effect on student personal development such as sense of personal efficacy, personal identity, spiritual growth and moral development
- Service learning has positive effects on interpersonal development and the ability to work well with others, leadership and communication skills
- SOCIAL OUTCOMES
- Service learning has a positive effect on reducing stereotypes and facilitating cultural and racial understanding
- Service learning has a positive effect on sense of social responsibility and citizenship skills
- Volunteer service in college is associated with involvement in community service after graduation
THE IMPACT OF SERVICE LEARNING ON FACULTY
- Faculty using service learning report satisfaction with quality of student learning
- Faculty increasingly integrate service learning into courses
THE IMPACT OF SERVICE LEARNING ON COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
- Community service affects student retention
- Institutions report enhanced community relations
THE IMPACT OF SERVICE LEARNING ON COMMUNITIES
- Communities report satisfaction with student participation
- Service learning provides useful service in communities
- Communities report enhanced university relations (Eyler, et al., 2001)
