Factors Influencing Service-Learning Utilization in Social Work: Results from an Online Survey of Faculty

The current study (N = 209) explored service-learning utilization in social work education by examining the influence of personal and institutional characteristics, perceived barriers, and beliefs about service-learning outcomes. Results of an online survey of social work educators showed that neither personal nor institutional characteristics influenced service-learning use. Rather, the use of service learning was driven primarily by social work educators’ beliefs about the effect of service learning on student outcomes and perceived barriers to implementation. Additionally, questions regarding service-learning implementation (such as hours required) suggest that not all social work educators using service learning correctly distinguish it from field practica.

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