In Their Own Voices: A Mixed Methods Approach to Studying Outcomes of Intercultural Service-Learning with College Students

Three studies are reported in this chapter. Sample sizes range from 10 to 14. Each study uses a combination of quantitative measures (e.g., Hammer & Bennett's Intercultural Development Inventory, 2001; McConahay's Modern Racism Scale, 1986; and self-reporting scales) and qualitative measures (open-ended responses and interviews) to assess outcomes of intercultural service-learning experiences on college students at two small liberal arts colleges and to identify some best practices for designing and implementing such experiences. Results indicate that an intensive short-term experience (Study 1) can be as effective as a semester-long experience (Study 3) and that reflection and training to prepare students for the intercultural experience play essential roles.