Service Learning: History, Literature Review, and a Pilot Study of Eighth Graders

Abstract

In this article we describe the results of a pilot study conducted with 156 primarily Hispanic middle school students to investigate the effects of a service learning curriculum that was a part of both advisory and science classes. We focused on the effect of service on self-esteem and personal responsibility. Quantitative data were collected using both the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Junior Index of Motivation Scale. For both instruments, student growth was observed. However, these gains were not statistically significant. Qualitative data (student reflective journals, a narrative essay, interviews, field notes, and observations) also showed that the curriculum had a positive effect on students' self-esteem and responsibility. We also review the widely cited service learning literature and discuss the status of recent litigation involving the performance of mandatory community service.