The Effect of Service Learning on Community College Students |
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| Authors: | Margaret S Sass Ken Coll |
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| Institution: | 1. Center of Instructional Excellence, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USAsassm@purdue.edu;3. College of Education, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA |
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| Abstract: | This study discusses the implementation of a service learning component in community college communication 101 level courses. Through the execution of a service learning component in communication classes at a community college, students’ communicative competency and attitude toward community service is assessed. Using two different delivery approaches, a quantitative study assessed the pretest and posttest of the standardized tool Communicative Adaptability Scale (CAS). Eight sections of communication 101 courses were distributed into two groups: (a) an experimental group and (b) a control group. The experimental group (n = 69) was required to finish a service learning project consisting of 15 hours by the end of the semester. The control group (n = 64) students did not participate in a community service project. Quantitative research methods were applied through data collection of the CAS taken by participants preimplementation and postimplementation of the service learning component, which was a community service project. The CAS results support that the implementation of service learning significantly increases students’ communication adaptability and competence. |
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