Effects of a small-scale, very short-term service-learning experience on college students

This study examined the effects of a small-scale, very short-term (8-10h) service-learning experience on college undergraduates. Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that students participating in this experience reported maintenance of their sense of social responsibility, an increased sense of the meaningfulness of college, and an increased likelihood of choosing a service-related occupation, when compared to non-participating matched counterparts. These findings provide support for the notion that minimally resource-intensive service-learning programs can provide students with some of the benefits of service-learning that have been identified in longer, more intensive experiences.