Impact of Service Learning on Democratic and Civic Values, (The)

Part of a special section on service learning in political science. The writers analyze whether service learning experiences can raise students' generally low estimation of the legitimacy of democratic governance and reverse their lack of support for civic life. They outline their data collection and research methodology. They report that their findings imply that students who have a service experience will view the experiences positively and will be inclined to pursue other service opportunities. In addition, they contend that these students will learn about their community, further develop some academic skills, and see that they have helped community members. However, they report that service does not seem to bring about consistent and comprehensive changes in students' general cognitive skills, attitudes, and political values. Finally, they point out some of their study's shortcomings.