Abstract
The objective of National Service Scheme (NSS) is toincrease levels of social consciousness by getting studentsinvolved in activities that address individual andcommunity needs. Although there is an incentive, by wayof additional marks that students obtain for 120 hours ofwork, NSS offers opportunities for personal growth, andcharacter development through community service.Participation in NSS activities has instilled in many, thedesire to bring about social change. The present studyexplores the following questions: What motivates NSSparticipation? What are the goals that are accomplishedand motives that are fulfilled through NSS participation?Would involving students in designing, planning andimplementing NSS related activities have greatermotivational and other benefits? What are the benefits oflinking NSS activities and academics? Would studentlearning be enhanced? Would there be a betterassimilation of concepts studied? Would NSSparticipation provide the base for experiential learningthat can be related to concepts discussed in theclassroom? Answers to the questions raised above haveimplications for adapting or extending NSS along thelines of service learning. The integration of experientialeducation or a practical/applied dimension to theoreticalissues addressed in the classroom, would not merelyincrease interest and understanding but also makestudents independent learners, and when applied to the community related issues, help to sensitize and motivatethem to contribute to the common good.
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