DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH SERVICE-LEARNING IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

Many opportunities for service participation are emerging in educational institutions. While research has found effects of service in multiple developmental domains, variations associated with the context of service, and the students' gender, have not been examined.

The current study examines 612 undergraduates participating in service activities in one of three contexts: service-learning course, co-curricular service, or America Reads America Counts (ARAC). Service-learning students were classified into low and high reflection groups. Self-report questionnaires measured perceived citizenship, leadership, and diversity outcomes.

ARAC students reported higher scores on most items, with ARAC and high reflection curricular scores often significantly higher than low reflection curricular and co-curricular students. ARAC students likely reported more positive outcomes because of the time commitment required for their employment, and high reflection curricular students presumably reported more positive outcomes because of the integration of the service experience with their coursework. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.