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Community and National Service Democracy and Civic Engagement Working Paper

Motivating Students Through Classroom-Based Service Learning: Toward Adoption and Impact

By CSD • June 3, 2014November 4, 2021

Experiential learning is a familiar concept for teachers, and project-based learning and field trips are examples of potentially powerful experiential learning activities. This article will expand on the literature and offer an example of a service learning intervention at the middle-school level. We suggest that three key components of service learning may motivate students, including (a) focusing on altruism, (b) encouraging student voices, and (c) building relationships. These aspects of service learning provide a slightly different grounding than experiential learning activities which prioritize curriculum concepts. They also may be unique in their ability to enhance students’ self-efficacy, which has been positively associated with motivation and academic achievement.

Project: Civic Engagement and Service

Citation

Robertson, A. S., McBride, A. M., Chung, S., & Williams, A. (2014). Motivating students through classroom-based service learning: Toward adoption and impact (CSD Working Paper No. 14-11). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.

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2014academic achievementAllison WilliamsAmanda Moore McBrideAnne RobertsonDemocracy and Civic EngagementSaras Chungservice learningUnited Statesvolunteerismyouth

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