Exploring the experiences of college students participating in volunteer community service and service learning activities

摘要

This study described and analyzed the experiences of college students thatparticipated in a volunteer community service program and those that participatedin a service learning program using a case study method. The evidence suggeststhat students describe their service experience in much the same way regardless ofthe type and circumstances of the service performed. While the subjects thatparticipated in service learning described the activity of providing service aspositive, many of the components of service learning did not seem to be present,including formal reflection. While there was recognition of different social classesserved by the sites or agencies and within the community, the subjects had notexplored core social issues that may arise from class differences. Participants inboth service learning courses and volunteer community service activities foundthe experience valuable in either selection or continuance of academic major, aswell as general career development skills.