Service-Learning

Service-learning is a teaching and learning method that connects meaningful, community service experiences with academic learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility (Shumer & Duckenfield, 2004). Learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection, which may occur through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and drawing, among other activities (Dewey, 1938; Eyler, 2001; Kolb, 1984). Service-learning extends the classroom to the community, where young adolescents apply their knowledge in a safe, collaborative, developmentally responsive environment (Fertman, White, & White, 2002; Leming, 2001; Pate, 2005; Scales & Blyth, 1997; Schine, 1997). Students, faculty, school, community organizations, or special events most often initiate community involvement. Unlike volunteering, service-learning involves active learning of content knowledge and skills while helping others (Astin & Sax, 1998; Epstein, 2005; Eyler & Giles, 1999; Furco, 2002).

Academic Achievement

Service-learning connects the personal and intellectual as it helps students understand their world (Elyer & Giles, 1999). “Service-learning involves students in solving community problems, and at the same time, helps them learn and apply reading, writing, math, science, and social studies” (Fiske, 2002, p. 4). Numerous studies indicate that participation in quality service-learning experiences positively impact students’ engagement and academic learning (Akujobi & Simmons, 1997; Billig, 2004; Billig & Klute, 2003; Bringle & Hatcher, 1995; Klute & Billig, 2002; Melchior, 1999). Based on his study of more than 1,000 sixth graders, Scales (1999) indicated that at least 30 hours of service- and connected-learning supported by intentioned preparation, integration, and reflection by informed service-learning faculty resulted in significant benefits to young adolescent learning and behavior. However, service-learning’s impact on course grades was mixed (Astin & Sax, 1998; Vogelgesang & Astin, 2000). Quality of orientation and supervision of students at the service-learning site greatly influences its effect (Eyler & Giles, 1999). Kielsmeier, Scales, Roehlkepartain, and Neal (2004) reported that 8 of 10 principals in schools that offer service-learning indicate a positive impact on academic achievement, teacher satisfaction, school climate, school engagement, and the community’s view of youth as resources. Strage (2000) suggested that service-learning groups demonstrated increased ability on essay questions, perhaps due to the journal keeping and more explicit reflective connections to community contexts. One national dropout prevention report (Bridgeland, Dilulio, & Wulsin, 2008) indicated that service-learning demonstrates potential for addressing the dropout problem due to its focus on engagement in authentic contexts.

Civic Responsibility

Civic responsibility is strengthened by participation in service-learning in middle school, high school, and college (Morgan & Streb, 2001; Scales & Roehlkepartain, 2005; Shumer, 1994). Students engaged in service-learning demonstrate increased understanding of community needs (Melchior, 1999) and cultural and racial diversity issues (Astin & Sax, 1998; Eyler & Giles, 1999; Theriot, 2006). Service-learning provides a strategy, as articulated in Turning Points 2000: Educating Adolescents in the 21st Century, to “involve parents and communities in supporting student learning and healthy development” (Jackson & Davis, 2000, p. 24). Students are more apt to vote and become politically active if they participate in service-learning activities (Morgan & Streb, 2001). In Growing to Great 2008, Billig and Weah (2008) reported that in schools where service-learning is present, 86% of these principals cite its positive effect on the larger community’s view of youth as resources, and 92% of principals cite its positive impact on civic engagement.

Personal Development

Engagement in service-learning impacts the way students see themselves and others. Studies show positive effects on at-risk students in danger of failing (Follman, 1998) and in reducing teen pregnancy (Kirby, 2001; Melchior, 1999). Service-learning promotes students’ engagement in further service to their communities and demonstrates a reduction in middle school student arrests and absenteeism (Melchior, 1999; Morgan & Streb, 2001). Middle school students gain a sense of responsibility and self-identity as they collaborate with team members and positive adult role models in service activities (Leming, 2001; Scales et al., 2000). Students involved in service-learning demonstrate increased self-esteem and self-efficacy (Scales et al., 2000).

Middle Grades

Service-learning in the middle grades includes: (a) preparation as students, teachers, and community collaborate; (b) service activities that respond to real, meaningful, community needs; (c) reflection that occurs continuously and connects service activities and learning outcomes; and (d) celebration and assessment of students’ academic, personal, and civic growth (Fertman et al., 2002). These service activities address young adolescents’ need for connection and feeling valued (Scales et al., 2000). Many state departments of education institute service-learning in middle schools. One example is the Maryland Student Service Alliance (2004), which created The Middle School Service-Learning Instructional Framework.

More recent efforts involving focus groups with faculty, students, administrators, and community partners from across the nation have resulted in the National K–12 Service Learning Standards for Quality Practice (Billig & Weah, 2008). These standards call for (a) meaningful service; (b) link to the curriculum; (c) reflection; (d) diversity; (e) youth voice; (f) partnerships; (g) progress monitoring; and (h) duration and intensity (pp. 8–15).

Challenges

Possible challenges to incorporating service-learning in classrooms may include time and effort required to establish community partnerships and to change course strategies. Also, some individuals express concern that time spent integrating service-learning may detract from covering core material. Finally, the uncertainty about depth and breadth of academic advantages of service-learning cause concern with some beginning practitioners (Hill et al., 2003).

Conclusion

National calls for creating an informed citizenry (Boyer, 1994; National Middle School Association, 2003) and various national legislative initiatives have brought service and service-learning to national attention. In particular, the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 created national agencies to focus on the integration of service-learning and volunteering at all levels of education and the many community agencies. The recent Serve America Act of 2008 expands volunteer opportunities for Americans of all ages and supports non-profits and private groups that serve. As service-learning increases in popularity in our nation’s schools and communities, there remain calls for increased rigor in quantitative and qualitative research to add to the research literature. Finally, while service-learning programs have the capacity to enhance academic achievement, personal development, and social responsibility, school and local community climate and dynamics are vital in creating successful educational experiences (Scales & Roehlkepartain, 2005).

References

Akujobi, C., & Simmons, R. (1997). An assessment of elementary school service-learning teaching method: Using service-learning goals. NSEE Quarterly, 23(2), 19–28.

Astin, A. W., & Sax, L. J. (1998). How undergraduates are affected by service participation. The Journal of College Student Development, 39(3), 251–263.

Billig, S. H. (2004). Heads, hearts, and hands: The research on K-12 service-learning. In J. Kielsmeier, M. Neal, & M. McKinnon (Eds.), Growing to greatness 2004 (pp. 12–25). St. Paul, MN: National Youth Leadership Council. Retrieved June 24, 2009, http://www.nylc.org/inaction_init.cfm?oid=3698

Billig, S. H., & Klute, M. M. (2003, April). The impact of service-learning on MEAP: A large-scale study of Michigan Learn and Serve grantees. Paper presented at the National Service-Learning Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Billig, S. H., & Weah, W. (2008). K–12 service-learning standards for quality practice. In J. C. Kielsmeier, M. Neal, N. Schultz, & T. J. Leeper, Growing to greatness 2008: The state of service-learning project (pp. 8–15). St. Paul, MN: National Youth Leadership Council. Retrieved June 24, 2009, from http://www.nylc.org/objects/publications/8030548_Body.pdf

Boyer, E. L. (1994). Ready to learn: A mandate for the nation. Washington, DC: American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

Bridgeland, J. M., DiIulio, J. J., & Wulsin, S. C. (2008). Engaged for success: Service-learning as a tool for high school dropout prevention. Washington, DC: Civic Enterprises. Retrieved July 27, 2009, from http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=7540

Bringle, R., & Hatcher, J. (1995). A service-learning curriculum for faculty. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 1, 112–122.

Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. NY: Collier Books.

Epstein, J. L. (2005). School-initiated family and community partnerships. In T. O. Erb (Ed.), This we believe in action: Implementing successful middle schools (pp. 77–96). Westerville, OH: National Middle School Association.

Eyler, J. (2001). Creating your reflection map. New Directions for Higher Education, 114, 35–43.

Eyler, J., & Giles, D. (1999). Where’s the learning in service-learning? San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Fertman, C. I., White, G. P., & White, L. J. (2002). Service learning in the middle school: Building a culture of service. Westerville, OH: National Middle School Association.

Fiske, E. B. (2002). Learning in deed: The power of service-learning for American schools. A Report for the National Commission on Service-Learning. Battle Creek, MI: W. K. Kellogg Foundation.

Follman, J. (1998). Florida Learn and Serve: 1996–1997 outcomes and correlations with 1994–1995 and 1995–1996. Tallahassee, FL: Center for Civic Education and Service, Florida State University.

Furco, A. (2002). Is service-learning really better than community service? A study of high school service. In A. Furco & S. H. Billig (Eds.), Advances in service-learning research: Vol.1. Service-learning: The essence of the pedagogy (pp. 23–50). Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing.

Hill, D., Anderson, J., Callahan, J., Duckenfield, M., Erickson, J., Pickeral, T., et al. (2003, January). Service-learning in teacher education: Past, present and future. A report of the National Service-Learning in Teacher Education Partnership. Presented at the Service-Learning in Teacher Education 1997–2003 and Beyond Symposium, New Orleans, LA.

Jackson, A. W., & Davis, G. A. (2000). Turning points 2000: Educating adolescents in the 21st century. New York & Westerville, OH: Teachers College Press & National Middle School Association.

Kielsmeier, J. C., Scales, P. C., Roehlkepartain, E. C., & Neal, M. (2004). Preliminary findings: Community service and service-learning in public schools. In J. Kielsmeier, M. Neal, & M. McKinnon (Eds.), Growing to greatness 2004: The state of service-learning project (pp. 6–11). St. Paul, MN: National Youth Leadership Council.

Kielsmeier, J. C., Neal, M., Schultz, N., & Leeper, T. J. (2008). Growing to greatness 2008: The state of service-learning project. St. Paul, MN: National Youth Leadership Council. Retrieved June 24, 2009, from http://www.nylc.org/objects/publications/8030548_Body.pdf

Kirby, D. (2001). Emerging answers: Research findings on programs to reduce teen pregnancy. Washington, DC: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

Klute, M. M., & Billig, S. H. (2002). The impact of service-learning on MEAP: A large-scale study of Michigan Learn and Serve grantees. Denver, CO: RMC Research Corporation.

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Upper Saddle River, NJ; Prentice-Hall

Leming, J. S. (2001). Integrating a structured ethical reflection curriculum into high school community service experiences: Impact on students’ sociomoral development. Adolescence, 36(141), 33–45.

Maryland Student Service Alliance. (2004). The middle school service-learning instructional framework. Maryland State Department of Education. Retrieved June 23, 2009, from http://www.mssa.sailorsite.net/middle_school_guide.pdf

Melchior, A. (1999). Summary report: National evaluation of Learn and Serve America. Waltham, MA: Center for Human Resources, Brandeis University.

Morgan, W., & Streb, M. (2001). Building citizenship: How quality service-learning develops civic values. Social Science Quarterly, 82(1), 154–169.

National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, PL 103–82 [H.R. 2010].

National Middle School Association. (2003). This we believe: Successful schools for young adolescents. Westerville, OH: Author.

Pate, E. (2005). Service learning. In V. A. Anfara, Jr., G. Andrews, & S. B. Mertens (Eds.), The encyclopedia of middle grades education (pp. 341–344). Westerville, OH & Greenwich, CT: National Middle School Association & Information Age Publishing.

Scales, P. C. (1999). Increasing service-learning’s impact on middle school students. Middle School Journal, 30(5), 40–44.

Scales, P. C., & Blyth, D. (1997). Effects of service-learning on youth: What we know and what we need to know. The Generator, Winter, 6–9.

Scales, P. C., Blyth, D. A., Berkas, T. H., & Kielsmeier, J. C. (2000). The effects of service-learning on middle school students’ social responsibility and academic success. Journal of Early Adolescence, 20(3), 332–358.

Scales, P. C., & Roehlpartain, E. C. (2005). Can service-learning help reduce the achievement gap? In J. Kielsmeier, M. Neal, & M. McKinnon. (Eds.), Growing to greatness 2005 (pp.10–22). St. Paul, MN: National Youth Leadership Council.

Schine, J. (1997). Service learning and young adolescents: A good fit. In J. L. Irvin (Ed.), What current research says to the middle level practitioner (pp. 257–263). Columbus, OH: National Middle School Association.

Serve America Act of 2008, H.R. 1388.

Shumer, R. (1994). Service-learning: A study of exemplary practice. St Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Department of Work, Community, and Family Education.

Shumer, R., & Duckenfield, M. (2004). Service-learning: Engaging students in community-based learning. In F. P. Schargel & J. Smink (Eds.), Helping students graduate: A strategic approach to dropout prevention (pp. 155–163). Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education.

Strage, A. (2000). Service-learning: Enhancing learning outcomes in a college-level lecture course. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 7, 5–13.

Theriot, S. (2006). Perceived benefits of service-learning in teacher education. Issues in Educational Research, 16(2), 241–252. Retrieved on June 25, 2009, from http://www.iier.org.au/iier16/theriot.html

Vogelgesang, L. J., & Astin, A. W. (2000). Comparing the effects of community service and service learning. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 7, 25–34.

Annotated References

Campus Compact. (2003). Introduction to service-learning toolkit: Readings and resources for faculty (2nd ed.). Providence, RI: Author.

This revised edition of Introduction to Service-Learning Toolkit is an essential resource for faculty and administrators in higher education. It brings together the best, most up-to-date writing and resources on service-learning, from learning theory and pedagogy to practical guidance implementing service-learning in the classroom.

Eyler, J., & Giles, D. (1999). Where’s the learning in service-learning? San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

This seminal volume initiated the study of service-learning as a pedagogical model addressing rigorous learning outcomes. It raises practitioner awareness of learning expectations necessary in service-learning experiences and aligns these with personal and interpersonal development. The authors present the transformative results of student involvement in community engagement, reflective practice, and critical thinking, as well as data, which supports strengthening the place for academic service-learning as part of the academic mission of higher education.

Kielsmeier, J. C., Neal, M., Schultz, N., & Leeper, T. J. (2008). Growing to greatness 2008: The state of service-learning project. St. Paul, MN: National Youth Leadership Council. Retrieved June 24, 2009, from http://www.nylc.org/objects/publications/8030548_Body.pdf

These reports are an annual forum for compiling and disseminating research regarding the value of service-learning and the impact of successful implementation strategies. The value of youth to society is emphasized, state descriptions of service-learning activities are presented, and national organizations are profiled.

Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning. Available at www.umich.edu/~mjcsl

Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning (MJCSL) is a national, peer-reviewed journal consisting of articles written by faculty and service-learning educators about research, theory, pedagogy, and issues pertinent to the service-learning community. This journal provides current research on development, implementation, and refinement of academic service-learning, campus-community partnerships, and engaged scholarship. It also seeks to support and increase the sophistication of practitioners’ work and can provide middle grades faculty and administrators with insight, teaching strategies, and research support for implementing academic service-learning at their middle school.

Recommended Resources

Campus Compact website. http://www.campuscompat.org/

Campus Compact is a national coalition of nearly 1,200 college and university presidents. Its purpose is to promote community service, civic engagement, and service-learning in higher education. The site contains model syllabi, lesson plans, research resources, avenues for publishing regarding service-learning, and strategies for sustaining partnerships and communities of engagement.

The Corporation for National and Community Service website. http://www.nationalservice.gov/

The corporation sponsors two websites with valuable information for teachers of service-learning. The first website, http://www.learnandserve.org, offers information on service-learning and classroom resources, Students in Service to America Guidebook, and funding sources among many other resources. The second website, http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/, links to building blocks for practitioners of effective service programs filled with online resources, publications, and effective practices for projects.

Kaye, C. B. (2004). The complete guide to service learning: Proven, practical ways to engage students in civic responsibility, academic curriculum, & social action. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit.

A practical teacher resource that addresses answers to integrating service-learning in the curriculum, cross-curricular activities, a general resource list, and much more.

Learn and Serve America’s National Service-Learning Clearinghouse website. http://www.servicelearning.org/

NSLC is the nation’s most comprehensive service-learning resource. It contains fact sheets, project descriptions, implementation strategies, list of publications, among many other resources for service-learning practitioners.

National Youth Leadership Council website. http://www.nylc.org

National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) is one of the oldest organizations in the nation to advocate for youth service-learning and community service. This website offers teaching resources and information about NYLC’s annual national conference and professional development opportunities for teachers. Additionally, middle school faculty interested in integrating service-learning can find K–12 National Standards for Quality Practice.

Author

Shirley Theriot is an assistant professor of middle level teacher education and director of the Center for Community Service Learning at the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a past president of the National Association of Professors of Middle Level Education. Her scholarly interests include the impact of service-learning on middle level preservice teacher efficacy and student achievement.

Citation

Theriot, S. (2009). Research summary: Service-learning. Retrieved [date], from http://www.amle.org/TabId/270/ArtMID/888/ArticleID/323/Research-Summary-Service-Learning.aspx

This research summary was approved by the NMSA (now AMLE) Board of Trustees, August 2009.