The Effect of Service-Learning on Social Identity Development: The Impact Scholars Program

Degree Name

MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management

First Advisor

Karen Blanchard

Abstract

This paper looks at service-learning as a form of experiential learning, attempts to find an all-encompassing definition of service-learning and discusses the outcomes as they relate to social identity development. This paper strives to discover if the Impact Scholars Program and its current framework impacts the social identity development of participants, as well as, which parts of the framework are or are not functioning. This is done by following the voyage of all five Impact Scholars on the fall 2014 voyage and distributing an embarkation and disembarkation survey as well as conducting a mid-term interview. These data were then taken and analyzed. The Impact Scholars Program, indeed effects the social identity development of its participants, particularly their development of purpose. It also effects their established identity and development of integrity though not significantly. The pieces of the framework that are particularly positive are the small size of the program and the relationships that ISE has overseas. The pieces of the framework that could be improved upon are the student context, course connection, supervision, objectives, Impact Opportunity context, and Impact specific reflections. This is an effective program that can be strengthened for even more impact of the social identity development of its participants.

Disciplines

Higher Education | International and Comparative Education | Service Learning

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