How professors prepare students for their service learning experience and coordinate those experiences with in-classroom activities also seems to be important to the success of service learning initiatives. The study found that the second most significant factor in a positive service-learning experience is whether the professor encourages class discussion. The HERI study also found that students' career choices are particularly sensitive to participation in service learning. The effects seem to operate in two ways. Students initially pursuing non-service oriented careers switch their choice to service careers, and students interested in service careers are reinforced in their plans.
Service learning opportunities open up possibilities for students.
I wanted to work hands-on, making a difference, being involved working directly with people. Conclusion Authors believe that the study's most important contribution may be to the pedagogy of service learning. The study reinforces the important role that reflection plays in enhancing learning by connecting course material to service experiences. The quality of service is clearly enhanced by directly applying the academic course material to the service experience, and learning is enhanced by drawing on the service experience to understand the course content. Clearly, service learning can be a powerful learning experience and seems especially important as a curricular option for those interested in advancing students' understanding of the diversity of their communities and their commitment to civic responsibility and justice-seeking.