Breaking the time barrier: helping students "find the time" to do intergenerational service-learning.
This study addresses issues related to mandatory versus optional service-learning assignments and presents findings from a study of an option-based service-learning program. Using qualitative data collected from students over two semesters, this study examines one of the biggest barriers students cite to successful participation in service-learning options--"not having enough time." Typically, time constraints manifest themselves in one of two ways: first is students who elect not to participate in the service-learning option because they do not see the required time commitment as feasible; a second concern is the small percentage of students who have difficulty completing the hours for which they have signed up. With the majority of students employed part- or even full-time in addition to their school work, these time barriers are not surprising. A variety of strategies to help students "find the time" to do service-learning are explored.
Karasik
Rona J
RJ
Gerontology Program, Department of Community Studies, St. Cloud State University, 365 Stewart Hall, 720 Fourth Ave South, St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498, USA. Karasik@stcloudstate.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004517:Education, Professional / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008297:Male; D008910:Minnesota; D009042:Motivation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D017748:Time Management / Q000379:methods*