American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

 Issue: August 2006

Service-Learning Evaluation Projects: A Step-by-Step Approach
Kevin Riley

Abstract:
Service-learning projects provide students with opportunities to put theory into practice in a real-world setting. Unlike community service, service-learning projects are intentionally linked to an academic course and incorporate specific pedagogical goals. Researchers have suggested that service learning is a great teaching tool that can complement and enhance other traditional learning methods. By working on service-learning projects, students are able to internalize theories they have learned in courses and begin to think like professionals and develop practical knowledge. The purpose of this article is to describe the step-by-step approach that Appalachian State University uses to design an evaluation service-learning project and to discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing such a project.

Article category: Leisure and Recreation