Research studies reflect mixed results on whether or not service-learning increases student learning outcomes. The current study seeks to reconcile these findings by extending a meta-analysis conducted by Novak, Markey, and Allen (2007) in which these authors examined service-learning and student learning outcomes. In the current study, 11…

Evaluated the effects of infusing a 20-hour per semester service learning requirement into a large introductory child development course. Participating students outperformed previous classes; this advantage was apparently the result of stronger performances on narrative assessments (midterm and take-home final essays) and only manifested itself…

The effects of service-learning on the academic attainment of rehabilitation services students were examined using a quasi-experimental design. One hundred and thirty senior rehabilitation services students enrolled in the medical aspects of disabilities course, 65 with service-learning and 65 with classroom-only instruction. The same instructor…

Describes how the theory and practice of situated learning provide a model for examining the learning claims of service learning and for research into its effectiveness. While service learning emphasizes the nature of service and students' engagement with communities outside school, situated learning focuses on the nature of the learning in…

Reviews literature on cognitive outcomes of service learning with an emphasis on how convincing the results are to faculty. Explores how self-report measures produce the most consistent positive findings yet are one of the least persuasive measures; other measures based in the cognitive sciences, such as problem-solving protocols, show promise but…

A study investigated effects of a comprehensive 2-year service-learning program on 25 college students' level of modern (symbolic) racism. A nonequivalent control group experiment was conducted at a large state university in the West. Results support the hypothesis that students involved in service-learning show larger reductions in modern racism…

University students in two advanced introductory psychology courses were offered simultaneous enrollment in a community service-learning course. Students selecting the option did not differ from nonparticipants demographically, or in self-reporting personal development gains or final grades, but did report enhanced ability to apply concepts…

Study investigated the effects of a service-learning component in an undergraduate occupational therapy course. Comparisons were made between students involved in service-learning and those not involved of how they perceived institutionalized older adults' perspectives on disease and aging. Also evaluated were weekly journal entries of the…

Discusses whether community and public service efforts enhance a university's academic mission or whether they are misplaced efforts to heal sagging social conscience. Explores related issues and urges practitioners to commit to scholarly documentation of outcomes for students who participate in community service and service-learning. (Author/MSE)

Four sections of an undergraduate pharmacy communications course were randomly assigned to include either a traditional laboratory project or a service-learning project. Data collected late in the semester revealed significant positive changes for the service-learning participants in cognitive complexity, social competency, perceived ability to…

A study found that college service learning is more effective as a civic and academic pedagogy when students have: (1) at least 15 to 20 hours of service; (2) frequent contact with the beneficiaries of their service; (3) weekly in-class reflection; (4) ongoing and summative written reflection; and (5) discussions of their service experiences with…