Exploring+the+impact+of+service-learning+and+engagement+-+Students,+community+partners+and+social+change

**Exploring the impact of service-learning and engagement: Students, community partners and social change** Mary Hutchinson, Assistant Professor, Penn State University [mhutchinson@psu.edu]

**Keywords:** Civic skills, pre-service teachers, ESL learners, tutoring

**Track:** Community outcomes and impact

**Format:** Research paper 
 * Date & time: ** Friday 10:50-12:00
 * Location: **Wilson

**Summary:** There exists a wealth of research about the impact of service-learning on students at all levels of education. Unfortunately, the impact of service-learning initiatives on the communities in which the students engage has been minimal at best. This study examines a partnership program between higher education, a state-funded literacy tutor program, and an adult education agency, and investigates the impact of service-learning on pre-service teachers and their understanding of the community, as well as the impact on the community partners involved.

The qualitative data indicated a change in attitude among pre-service teachers (PST) who had little or no experience working with English Language Learners (ELL). By the end of the course, all the PSTs strongly agreed/agreed that this experience had a positive impact on their ability to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds, 82% agreed that the work helped them to come more aware of the community and its needs and acknowledged that it was their responsibility to serve in ways that would address and meet these challenges.Data from the ALA reveal that 4 of the ELLs had either gotten, kept or advanced in a job, 13 had attained more of an understanding of citizenship skills, and 2 had actually received their US citizenship.Of the 63 ELLs involved in tutoring, approximately 67% (n=42) who started on a low to intermediate ESL level moved up at least one level based on the NRS scale.Although there is more work to be done in this latter area, this study provides evidence that service-learning can be a powerful force in teacher preparation programs and the communities they serve.

**References:** This research shared in this publication is forthcoming in the //Journal of Higher Education Outreach & Engagement, 15//(3), September 2011.

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