As with any program, a variety of tools and methods can be used to evaluate service-learning. Evaluation is essential not only for documenting a program’s effectiveness and demonstrating accountability, but also for informing continued development or improvement of programs. Evaluation is not the end of an initiative; it is an essential part of the on-going process that provides an opportunity to be deliberative, reflective and creative. Below are a summary of websites and a list of publications that provide background, tools and resources. New tools and resources are being developed constantly — use the resources below to get started, and check back periodically for new assessment resources.
- Self-Assessment Rubric for Institutionalization of Higher Education (Furco, A., 2006)
- Holland, B. (1997). Analyzing institutional commitment to service. A model of key organizational factors. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 4(1), 30-41.
- Lunsford, C. G., Church, R. L., & Zimmerman, D. L. (2007). Assessing Michigan State University’s efforts to embed engagement across the institution: Findings and challenges. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 11(1), 89-104.
- Chadwick, S. A., & Pawlowski, D. R. (2007). Assessing institutional support for service-learning: A case study for organizational sensemaking. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 13(2), 31-39.
- Community-Campus Partnerships for Health
Online curriculum, resources and grant opportunities for Community-Based Participatory Research. - Civic Engagement VALUE Rubric
Rubrics for assessing student learning objectives in civic engagement courses.
