A Little Bit Can Go a Long Way: An Examination of Required Service in the Basic Communication Course

This study examines the utility of service-learning pedagogy in the general education basic communication course to meet service-learning outcomes, with an emphasis on civic engagement. Results of the data suggest that students in both a one-time service site and multiple-site condition indicated that the service experience enhanced three of the four service-learning outcomes: (a) personal and interpersonal development, (b) ability to understand and apply knowledge, and (c) sense of citizenship. The service-learning outcome of perspective transformation was not a frequently mentioned theme but did emerge in intensity in the multiple-visit condition. Findings of the study extend experiential learning theory as well as civic engagement theory and support the inclusion of a service-learning basic communication course in the general education curriculum to promote the LEAP initiative.