Beyond the Books: Student Researcher Perspectives on the Benefits and Challenges of Service Learning in the Context of a Research Study

Authors

• Tatum Williams, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
• Kaylee R. Grazul, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
• Sarah Richter, West Chester UniversityFollow

Author Bio

Tatum Williams is a senior in the Department of Psychology at West Chester University. Kaylee Grazul is a senior psychology major in the Department of Psychology with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies in the Department of Women's and Gender Studies. Sarah Richter is a fourth year doctoral student in the Department of Psychology.

Abstract

Service learning, or an approach to teaching and learning that combines community service with academic study, has been shown to produce positive outcomes in undergraduate participants. Students who participate in service-learning programs reported higher levels of satisfaction as compared to students in non-service-learning programs (Gomez-Estern et al., 2021). Undergraduate research students who have engaged in service learning also found that it can help develop critical thinking and communication skills, leads to a stronger interest in pursuing a higher level of education, and shows more independence and problem-solving skills (Crowe and Boe, 2019). Other studies revealed that if adequate self-reflection after service-learning is not completed, there is no way for undergraduate students to make meaning of their experience, making it not as beneficial (Myers, 2020). In this case study, undergraduate students worked with community partners that provided after-school programming for middle school students. During this six-week program, facilitators led middle school youth in drama improvisation sessions with the goal of lessening feelings of social isolation and anxiety as well as improving self-esteem. Throughout the six sessions, benefits cited in previous literature were seen to be relevant in the current case study. Additionally, the current study includes possible challenges faced by service-learners and their professors as well as possible solutions to implement in future service-learning courses. This case study will present the benefits and challenges of community experiences and service-learning in research programs for undergraduate students and faculty.

Recommended Citation

Williams, Tatum; Grazul, Kaylee R.; and Richter, Sarah (2026) "Beyond the Books: Student Researcher Perspectives on the Benefits and Challenges of Service Learning in the Context of a Research Study," Ramifications: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/ramifications/vol4/iss1/2