Using Standardized and Locally Created Assessment Tools to Gauge Student Service-Learning Outcomes

1. Using Standardized and Locally Created Assessment Tools to Gauge Student Service-Learning Outcomes St. Cloud State University Presenters:Beth Knutson-Kolodzne–Coordinator-Volunteer ConnectionProf. Isolde Mueller – Faculty Liaison for Service-LearningKim Oren –Director of Institutional Research

2. Brief History of Service-Learning & Community Engagement at SCSU… • 2003 AmeriCorps Grant (4 yrs.) SL Coord. engages faculty in using SL in courses. • 2005 Faculty use of SL in courses = up 2x since 2003 ; number of students engaged = up 5x; number of hours reported = up 10x. • 2006 Began surveying service- learning students about their experience. • 2007 Grant ends • Faculty Liaison for SL begins 25% reassigned time • New President of SCSU • Secured 10 hr./wk. GA for SL

3. Brief History of Service-Learning & Community Engagement at SCSU… • 2008 Faculty Liaison begins 50% reassigned time • Began assessment work with Dir. of IR • Adapted student survey instrument • 2009 Measured variety of forms of community-based learning among students in courses. • Increased University focus on overall community engagement within and outside of courses • 2010 Engagement continues to remain stable or grow slightly in some areas. • 2011 University reorganization plans underway. • Position for a Faculty Scholar in the new University College • Position for Assoc. Director for Civic Engagement–who is a liaison with the Faculty Scholar.

4. Outcomes of Service-LearningTaken from: Where’s the Learning in Service-Learning? Eyler & Giles, 1999 • Tolerance • Personal Development • Interpersonal Development • Understanding & Applying Knowledge • Problem Solving/Critical Thinking • Perspective Transformation • Citizenship

5. Two data sources SCSU Student Community-Based Learning QuestionnaireLocally developed. Administered Spring to students after their community engagement experiences (2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010, and Fall 2010). Copy of survey instrument is in handout. National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Administered at SCSU in spring semesters of 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009. Copy of survey instrument is in handout.

6. National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE or “Nessie.”) Derived from vast research literature on college student outcomes.

8. National Survey of Student Engagement • Measures: • x • Students’ involvement (or engagement) in activities xxknown to facilitate their growth and development. • x • Institutional conditions that are conducive to such xxengagement.

11. Started with NSSE question 1k: During the current school year, about how often have you participated in a community-based project (e.g., service learning) as part of a regular course? Very often, Often, Sometimes, or Never?

12. NSSE item 1k: During the current school year, about how often have you participated in a community-based project (e.g., service learning) as part of a regular course?

13. NSSE item 1k: During the current school year, about how often have you participated in a community-based project (e.g., service learning) as part of a regular course?

14. NSSE item 1k: During the current school year, about how often have you participated in a community-based project (e.g., service learning) as part of a regular course?

25. Outcomes of Service-LearningTaken from: Where’s the Learning in Service-Learning? Eyler & Giles, 1999 • Tolerance • Personal Development • Interpersonal Development • Understanding & Applying Knowledge • Problem Solving/Critical Thinking • Perspective Transformation • Citizenship

26. Results from Local Survey Data Student Community-Based Learning Questionnaire (2009-2010) • Demographics • Form of Community–Based Learning (CBL) • Mandatory or optional? • Number of hours. • Value. • Learning. • Connection to community. • Awareness of community needs.

27. Local Survey results (page 1 of 5)

28. Local Survey results (page 2 of 5)

29. Local Survey results (page 3 of 5)

30. Local Survey results (page 4 of 5)

31. Local Survey results (page 5 of 5)

34. Response options: Very often, Often, Sometimes, or Never.

35. Response options: Very often, Often, Sometimes, or Never.

36. Response options: Done, Plan to do, Do not plan to do, or Have not decided.

37. Response options: Done, Plan to do, Do not plan to do, or Have not decided.

38. Q & A… • History • Data Sources • Outcomes • Etc…..