Design and plan learning activities and/or programmes of study
Acknowledge the wider context in which higher education operates, recognising the implications for professional practice
Service-learning is a teaching method that combines community service with academic learning. It helps students apply what they learn in class to real-world problems, while also reflecting on their experiences. This approach can improve their understanding of academic content, develop personal skills like confidence, and foster civic responsibility. Unlike volunteering, service-learning is tied to coursework and includes guided reflection. It's used across many subjects, from nursing and business to social sciences and computer science.
Service-learning improves cognitive outcomes (Yorio & Ye, δ = .52 ➕➕➕), academic performance (Celio et al., d = .43 ➕➕➕), and understanding of social issues (Yorio & Ye, δ = .34 ➕➕➕). It also enhances personal insight (δ = .28 ➕➕➕), social skills (Celio et al., d = .27 ➕➕➕), and civic engagement (Celio et al., d = .31 ➕➕➕). Programs that include structured reflection and are integrated with academic content have stronger effects. Shorter programs or those lacking reflection have weaker or inconsistent outcomes.
This summary draws on several high-quality meta-analyses. Yorio and Ye (2012) analysed effects on social, personal, and cognitive learning outcomes. Celio et al. (2011) reviewed 62 studies showing consistent benefits across five domains. Conway et al. (2009) included 103 samples and examined academic, personal, social, and citizenship outcomes. Novak et al. (2007) reported a moderate effect on cognitive outcomes (d = .42). These studies are robust, with large sample sizes and clear inclusion criteria, lending strong support to the conclusions.
Celio, C. I., Durlak, J., & Dymnicki, A. (2011). A meta-analysis of the impact of service-learning on students. Journal of Experiential Education, 34(2), 164–181. https://doi.org/10.1177/105382591103400205
Conway, J. M., Amel, E. L., & Gerwien, D. P. (2009). Teaching and learning in the social context: A meta-analysis of service learning's effects on academic, personal, social, and citizenship outcomes. Teaching of Psychology, 36(4), 233–245. https://doi.org/10.1080/00986280903172969
Novak, J. M., Markey, V., & Allen, M. (2007). Evaluating cognitive outcomes of service learning in higher education: A meta-analysis. Communication Research Reports, 24(2), 149–157. https://doi.org/10.1080/08824090701304881
Yorio, P. L., & Ye, F. (2012). A meta-analysis on the effects of service-learning on the social, personal, and cognitive outcomes of learning. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 11(1), 9–27. https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2010.0072
