The Positive Effects of Service Learning on Students' Emotional Intelligence

Submitted by Jill Santy on
Duration
-
Abstract

One of my goals in implementing service learning into the CPD150 "Strategies For College Success" curriculum was to enhance students’ academic success by collaborating with a local agency partner. The feedback provided using both a pre- and post-assessment provided measurable insight into the mutual benefits for both students and the agencies they served. Finally, the biggest take-away was the measurement of how transferable the CPD 150 skills that I taught were to the actual service learning.  The top three areas that had the greatest impact on students’ transferable skills were (1) time management, (2) skills, values, interests, and (3) personality traits/personal styles. My goal was to assess changes in students’ emotional intelligence as a result of their service learning experience.  I found that not only did their attitudes, values, and concerns change, but also they gained measurable increases in their academic success due to the collaborations they formed with the agencies and the skill sets they refined and applied from their CPD curriculum.  

Division/Department
Completed Full Cycle
Yes
Course Number
CPD150 20347
CPD 150 20356
CPD 150 20370
Assessment of the Month
Rating
Average: 4 (7 votes)

Comments

Catherine Cochran Thu, 02/16/2017 - 10:13am

Hi Jill,

This is great that you used a pre and post assessment to measure your student learning with service learning.  This is a great application to increase awareness in time management.  I glad to see that your student's time management improved.  

Catherine

Olga Tsoudis Mon, 02/20/2017 - 11:09am

Jill, This is an excellent assessment to show the impact of Service Learning. Using the pre and post demonstrates that the students had a powerful learning experience. Thanks for sharing!

Smiles Olga

Peter Turner Mon, 02/20/2017 - 4:25pm

Well done, Jill. This CATS showed what we intuitively know: when you give, you get. My only suggestion (and believe me, it is just to add refinement to an already credible pre and post survey) would be to use one of the validated EQ ratings scale - if you want to present at a conference, etc. And their academic success increased! But all that aside, this was a clear and effective CATS. Oh yeah, be sure to share this with Rachel H. and Landis E.!

Becky Baranowski Mon, 02/20/2017 - 5:38pm

This CATS really shows a different way to meet the course curriculum and have students grow professionally while helping others.  This is very well done.  Thanks for sharing.  

Rachel Holmes Wed, 02/22/2017 - 1:31pm

Thank you for sharing this!  Your data really demonstrates how impactful Service Learning really is and exactly why it should be integrated into all classes.   You are clearly making an impact in your students' lives, attitudes, and academics with the Service Learning integration!  Bravo, Jill!

Amy Weibel Thu, 02/23/2017 - 9:09am

Hi Jill - 

I have wondered about how routine affects emotional intelligence and vice versa.  You opened a very interesting window here.  It is clear from your excellent CATS that changing up a routine (i.e., using service learning) enhances emotional intelligence.  Personal growth is a huge measure of quality of education.  Nicely done!

Laura Dulgar Tue, 05/02/2017 - 2:16pm

Great use of pre- and post-assessment!! Thank you for all you do in the classroom!

Jason Martinez Wed, 05/03/2017 - 1:37pm

Great job! There is no greater learning than that which happens in the "real" world. We need more service learning focused classes. Emotional inteligence is just as important as any other ability as it allows you to navigate so many different environments.