The Impacts of Service-Learning Experience: An Exploratory Case Study of Alumni Perspective

Abstract

This article reports on the self-perceived impacts of service-learning experiences from the perspective of alumni who graduated from a technical university in Taiwan. Drawing on the alumni’s responses in a focus group interview, the study investigated how the alumni perceived of the impacts of participation in a service-learning project. Findings suggest that these experiences fostered a lasting change to the alumni’s personal development, particularly the communication skills, ability to adapt and persevere, learning attitude and commitment to service. In addition, the alumni reported not just these practical and personal benefits derived from the service-learning experiences, but also critical transformation that empowered them to face challenges after college.