Doing Well by Doing Good: A Study of the Effects of a Service-Learning Experience on Student Success

This study explored the effects of service learning on student success in college. The study consisted of 286 students enrolled in six paired community college courses in various disciplines. One section of each pair was taught using traditional subject matter and course materials, while the other section of each pair was required to participate in a 20-hour service learning activity in addition to the regular course curriculum. Participating faculty completed questionnaires and interviews regarding the courses, and students completed end-of-course evaluations. The results indicated that, overall, students who participated in the sections with a service learning requirement achieved higher final course grades and reported greater satisfaction with the course. In addition, faculty members who taught the service learning sections reported that class discussions were more stimulating, the sections seemed more vital in terms of student involvement, and the students seemed more challenged academically than in the traditional instruction sections. (Contains 27 references.) (MDM) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD: A STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF A SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE