Service-Learning with Undergraduate Criminal Justice Majors: A Comparison of Campus and Online Students on Reflective Learning

Abstract

Service-learning is an academic tool used to engage students in a hands-on approach to targeting a community need with an emphasis on reflection. While studies utilizing criminal justice students have shown that on-campus students see value in such experience, little is known about those enrolled in online criminal justice courses. The current study compared a final reflection assignment grade for on-campus and online students in a Victim Advocacy and Victimology course (within a criminal justice department) following their service-learning project on creating training on gender-based violence. No differences were found when assessing critical thinking, personal impact, or awareness of the significance of the project for on-campus and online students. The findings suggest criminal justice professors should invest more time in the creation of service-learning opportunities for online students as they can gain the same valuable experiences as their equivalent on-campus students.