Digital Commons Network^™

Methodological Problems In Evaluating Service Learning Projects, David A. Payne

Evaluation/Reflection

The ever increasing use of "service learning" as an adjunct to the ongoing instructional programs in public schools and higher education has challenged the conduct of both formal and informal evaluations. This article considers threats to internal validity in evaluating "learn and serve" projects with particular attention to data collection design and instrumentation. Mixedmethods designs are likely to be most effective, particularly when the intent is to focus on valueadded assessment, and there is considerable variability in the nature and extent of implementation of learn and serve activities.

Learn And Serve America: Higher Education Evaluation Requirements, Learn And Serve America

Evaluation/Reflection

Every program that receives Learn and Serve America: Higher Education funding should establish:

• a set of annual objectives
• a system for using "customer" feedback to improve program quality
• a system for collecting additional descriptive and demographic data