Title: Teaching social responsibility through service learning: a study of antecedents leading to change

Authors: Claudia H. Pragman; Brenda L. Flannery; Shane D. Bowyer

Addresses: Minnesota State University, 150 Morris Hall, Mankato, MN 56001 USA. ' Minnesota State University, 120 Morris Hall, Mankato, MN 56001, USA. ' Bethany Lutheran College, Honsey Hall 317, Mankato, MN 56001, USA

Abstract: In this study, we use ANCOVA models to test the effectiveness of service learning as a pedagogy employed to teach social responsibility. A sample of 341 students, enrolled in principles of management classes over six consecutive semesters, were given surveys before and after their service-learning projects to test for changes in empathy, internal locus of control, moral identity, trait cynicism and moral engagement. Results indicated significant changes in empathy, internal locus of control, moral identity, and moral engagement. Significant positive changes were attributed to female students and business majors, as opposed to male students and non-business majors.

Keywords: service learning; teaching social responsibility; significant learning; empathy; locus of control; moral identity; trait cynicism; moral engagement; pedagogy; management education; gender.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSS.2012.047992

International Journal of Society Systems Science, 2012 Vol.4 No.3, pp.257 - 277

Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *

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