Community-Based Service-Learning in Language Education: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Community-based service-learning (CBSL) is increasingly utilized in the second language (L2) education field as a strategy for learners to interact with target language communities. Accompanying the growth of CBSL in L2 is the need to examine and critique research and practice. This systematic literature review describes CBSL research in higher education L2 settings to understand program implementation, associated outcomes, and lessons learned. The review represents 69 articles published between 1997 and 2017. Trends in CBSL reveal a variety of CBSL experiences for L2 learners, with most programs representing a U.S. Spanish language context. Students stepped out of university classrooms to tutor children at elementary schools, to interact with immigrant adults at community centers, and to contribute to professional agencies using languages for specific purposes. Thirty-nine of the articles were empirical studies with outcomes that addressed L2 learners’ gains in linguistic proficiency, cultural understanding, motivation and interests related to language learning, and/or civic engagement. Overall, the literature review demonstrated positive associations between CBSL and student outcomes in L2 education. In an era of a growing number of CBSL programs, this review serves as a resource for research-based practices and as a springboard for new research.