Direct and Indirect Benefits of an International Service-Learning Design Project: Educational Effects on Project Members and Their Peers

Abstract

It has been well documented that international service-learning design projects in engineering provide many educational benefits to the students involved in these projects. This article addresses the question of whether or not the benefits gained from international service-learning design projects extend to those students who are not directly involved with these projects but are peers of those who are. To answer this question, graduates of the senior design projects course at Valparaiso University from 2003 to 2008 were surveyed on the course learning objectives, their desire to participate in service-related activities, and their social and cultural awareness. The responses from this survey show that peers of students who experienced an international service-learning design project developed a stronger desire to participate in service-related activities than those alumni who experienced the course when an international service-learning design project was not offered. The responses also show that these same peers felt they were more aware of societal issues and other cultures as well. This article discusses the senior design course, the international service-learning design project, the survey, the results of this survey, and suggested improvements that will extend the benefits of an international service-learning design project beyond those students with direct involvement to their peers.