Building Citizenship: How Student Voice in Service-Learning Develops Civic Values

Authors: Morgan W.¹; Streb M.²

Source: Social Science Quarterly, Volume 82, Number 1, March 2001 , pp. 154-169(16)

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Abstract:

Objective. Though many decry the decline in political participation and interest, few academic studies present a clear approach to help reverse these trends. This paper examines the impact of service-learning programs on students' self-concept, political engagement, and attitudes toward out-groups. Methods. The data come from a pre and post survey given to more than 200 high school students in 10 different schools. We use Huber regression to assess the impact of student voice in the service-learning project on six dependent variables. Results. We show that if students are involved in service-learning projects in which they have a high degree of voice and ownership, their self-concept and political engagement will improve, and they become more tolerant toward out-groups. Conclusion. In short, having a voice in service-learning programs builds citizenship.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/0038-4941.00014

Affiliations: 1: Indiana University 2: Loyola Marymount University

Publication date: 2001-03-01