Centre for Teaching and Learning Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2016
Journal
Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement
Volume
20
Issue
3
First Page
90
Last Page
119
Abstract
This study examined the potential impact of a week-long cocurricular community service-learning (CSL) program on undergraduate students’ psychosocial development. Participants in the Alternative Spring Break program and a matched control group completed surveys assessing a number of psychosocial variables immediately before and after the program, as well as 8 months later. Findings suggest that cocurricular CSL programs such as alternative breaks may positively impact students in 2 important ways: increasing personal growth and increasing personal effectiveness. Further research with larger samples is necessary; however, results from this study indicate that cocurricular CSL can be a powerful tool for supporting positive student development.
