Benefits and Challenges of Service-learning in Accredited Baccalaureate Social Work Programs

Service-learning is a pedagogical approach that integrates students' classroom instruction with community experiences. This paper discusses qualitative results of a national survey examining service-learning in Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited baccalaureate programs. Almost 80 percent of the 202 respondents required service-learning. Respondents reported benefits of incorporating service-learning in baccalaureate social work curriculum include assisting students in building community connections; applying theory and skills; socializing to the social work profession; and increasing self-awareness and exposure to diverse populations. Cited challenges include securing agency sites, time, and, logistics. Findings support existing research suggesting that service-learning benefits social work students.