Better Together: An Analysis of Collaboration and Reciprocity in Service-Learning Partnerships

This study sought to measure the value of building a service-learning partnership around mutual benefits. The survey created a quantifiable assessment of the importance of collaborating towards mutual benefits (i.e., reciprocity) as well as individual satisfaction. Seventeen faculty members (n = 10) and community agents (n =7) involved in service-learning partnerships in the preceding academic year completed questionnaires. The questionnaires asked participants to agree or disagree with statements regarding collaborative practices—defined in the literature as indicators of reciprocity—as well as their personal satisfaction with the service-learning experience. The researcher surveyed and analyzed both community agents and faculty members’ perspectives. The literature suggests that, often, community agents do not experience the same degree of benefits as faculty members. The results of this study supported the value of reciprocal partnerships, yet added further insight into the realities of campus-community partnerships. Certain characteristics of reciprocal partnerships did not prove evident, despite overall satisfaction. The conclusions suggested additional questions for future research to explore further the paths to reciprocity and holistic satisfaction within service-learning partnerships