The status of service learning in departments of communication: a follow‐up study

Abstract

While service learning in communication appears to be gaining in acceptance, few previous empirical studies examine changes in its availability and implementation over time. The present study compared a 1995 (Sellnow & Oster, 1997) and a 2001 survey of department chairs to reveal how service learning fared in communication departments. The survey indicated increases in both the number of communication studies majors and the number of students participating in service learning. Fewer departments appeared to be diligent about providing essential elements of service learning such as finding meaningful service and requiring structured reflection. The survey uncovered perceived benefits to students, including communication skills believed to be improved through service learning. Across the six year span, multicultural awareness and intercultural skills were increasingly associated with service learning.

Keywords:

• service learning
• communication studies curriculum
• higher education trends

Notes

Laura K. Oster‐Aaland (MS, North Dakota State University, 1995) is Director of Orientation and Student Success at North Dakota State University; Timothy L. Sellnow (PhD, Wayne State University, 1987) is Professor in the Department of Communication at North Dakota State University. Paul E. Nelson (PhD, University of Minnesota, 1968) is Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at North Dakota State University. Judy C. Pearson (PhD, Indiana University, 1975) is Professor of Communication and Associate Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at North Dakota State University. The authors wish to thank Fu‐Chih Cheng and Curt Doetkott for assisting with the statistics. The authors presented a version of this paper at the Service Learning Breakfast for academic and community leaders at the 2002 National Communication Association Convention, New Orleans, LA. Laura Oster‐Aaland can be contacted at laura.oster–[email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura K. Oster‐Aaland

Laura K. Oster‐Aaland (MS, North Dakota State University, 1995) is Director of Orientation and Student Success at North Dakota State University; Timothy L. Sellnow (PhD, Wayne State University, 1987) is Professor in the Department of Communication at North Dakota State University. Paul E. Nelson (PhD, University of Minnesota, 1968) is Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at North Dakota State University. Judy C. Pearson (PhD, Indiana University, 1975) is Professor of Communication and Associate Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at North Dakota State University. The authors wish to thank Fu‐Chih Cheng and Curt Doetkott for assisting with the statistics. The authors presented a version of this paper at the Service Learning Breakfast for academic and community leaders at the 2002 National Communication Association Convention, New Orleans, LA. Laura Oster‐Aaland can be contacted at laura.oster–[email protected]