Assessing the Effects of Incorporating Service in Learning: The Search for a Comprehensive Process of Service Learning Evaluation

Service learning is rapidly becoming a popular teaching and learning tool, yet assessment of the effectiveness of the pedagogy is still developing. It is vital that we begin to systematically evaluate the extent to which service initiatives adhere to sound educational principles and advance the learning of our students . Furthermore, comprehensive assessment of service learning should address the interests of all stakeholders in the process, utilizing instruments that capture the interplay among faculty, students, community, and educational institution. Although evaluation of this pedagogy is still in its infancy, a careful and considered application of a variety of linked assessment mechanisms should provide insights into the true nature of service learning