Conceptual Framework for Key Process Ingredients Salient for Effective Service-Learning

Although service-learning is an established pedagogy, widely adopted in tertiary education around the world, the nature of the key ingredients for successful service-learning experience in terms of yielding positive developmental outcomes for students has not been fully discerned. In this chapter, we analyse previous literature to identify six key ingredients typically found in successful service-learning experience. First, students provide meaningful service, using academic knowledge to address real needs. Second, the partner organisation representative (POR) plays a positive role in supporting the project. Third, there is thorough preparation and support for students, who receive appropriate orientation, training, and consultation. Fourth, there is effective reflection by students, supported by exercises that help them recall and make sense of surprises and key choice points. Fifth, there is effective course design with integration of service-learning. Sixth, there is stakeholder synergy in terms of collaboration, communication, and co-ownership, as well as reciprocity. Looking ahead to future research, we argue that it is essential to obtain inter-subjectively fair and trustworthy data about the extent to which these six key ingredients, plus any additional success factors, are perceived to have been achieved. Accordingly, we propose a multi-stakeholder approach for data collection. Possible cultural influences when applying these ingredients in the Chinese context are discussed.