Impact of Service Learning on Students’ Course Content, Personal Growth, and Community Engagement

Abstract

Persons who use drugs (PWUD) refer to individuals who engage in the consumption of substances that are commonly categorized as drugs that encompass a wide range of substances, including but not limited to alcohol, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illicit drugs. The study aims to investigate the impact of service learning on undergraduate students and the PWUDs. The study uses a qualitative data-gathering procedure. Qualitative data-gathering procedures involve collecting non-numerical data through interviews, observations, and focus groups. Based on the in-depth interview conducted, the students said service-learning promoted course content, personal growth, and community engagement among the students. On the other hand, the life-long learners developed their basic sewing skills through the training conducted. They added that the project fostered their self-confidence and motivation to start a new life. Though this study has limitations, it can be used as baseline data for skill-based courses to use service learning to foster skills and personal growth. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of service-learning in different academic disciplines and cultural contexts and track participants' skill acquisition and competencies over time.