HomeAnnotated BibliographiesService-Learning A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Service-Learning on Students Share: Section NavigationSkip section navigationIn this sectionAnnotated Bibliographies Affirming and Inclusive Engaged Learning for Neurodivergent Students Capstone Experiences Conditions for Meaningful Learning GenAI and Engaged Learning Global Learning Internships Learning Communities Learning on Location: Place-Based Pedagogies Mentoring Service-Learning Student-Faculty Partnership Supporting Neurodiverse and Physically Disabled Students Undergraduate Research Work-Integrated Learning Writing Transfer In and Beyond the University Reference List Entry:Celio, Christine I., Joseph Durlak, and Allison Dymnicki. 2011. "A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Service-Learning on Students." Journal of Experiential Education 34 (2): 164-181.About this Journal Article:For those seeking empirical data regarding the value of service-learning, this meta-analysis provides considerable evidence. Representing data from 11,837 students, this meta-analysis of 62 studies identified five areas of gain for students who took service-learning courses as compared to control groups who did not. The students in service-learning courses demonstrated significant gains in their self-esteem and self-efficacy, educational engagement, altruism, cultural proficiency, and academic achievement. Studies of service-learning courses that implemented best practices (e.g., supporting students in connecting curriculum with the service, incorporating the voice of students in the service-learning project, welcoming community involvement in the project, and requiring reflection) had higher effect sizes.
