Service-Learning's Impact on Attitudes and Behavior: A Review and Update

In this chapter, the author reexamines and updates the ongoing discussion regarding service-learning's impact on learners' attitudes and beliefs. For many years, advocates have promoted service-learning's capacity to influence student attitudes and beliefs, especially toward diversity, social justice, and other pro-social attitudes. At the same time, many researchers have cautioned service-learning practitioners about the potential risks involved in using service-learning to affect these attitudes and beliefs. In particular, researchers have cautioned about the potential for unintended consequences of service-learning-- the potential for increased prejudice, stereotyping, and victim-blaming in service-learning participants. (author)