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Service and Learning in Higher Education
From: RAND
| By:
Maryann J. GrayElizabeth H. OndaatjeLaura Zakaras |
EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION |
Over the last decade, educators and policymakers have shown increasing enthusiasm for service-learning, the combination of volunteer service and education. The appeal of service-learning lies in its promise to address a number of vexing social problems, including the inadequacies of traditional education methods, young people's lack of interest in civic and political matters, and under-funded social and environmental services. Skeptics of service-learning, including many university faculty and classroom instructors, have argued that service-learning activities water down curriculum. The federal government has provided programs and incentives for schools to develop or expand service-learning initiatives. One such program is Learn and Serve America, Higher Education (LSAHE), which provides direct grants to higher-education institutions to provide or expand service-learning activities. A RAND research team investigated and evaluated LSAHE over a three-year period, from fiscal year 1995 through fiscal year 1997. In this summary of the full report, the researchers assess the degree to which LSAHE achieved its objectives and, in particular, its effects on college student volunteers, those receiving service and higher-education institutions. |
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This summary of a 1999 report indicates that service-learning initiatives at higher-education institutions are beneficial to students, community members and the institutions involved. |
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