2019 Continuums of Service Conference

Through guided use of the tool, this interactive workshop will introduce attendees to the rationale, development, and potential uses of the Service-Learning Quality Assessment Tool (SLQAT), developed by researchers from the University of Georgia and the University of Minnesota. Research has identified many best practices for developing and teaching service-learning courses. However, our field has lacked a consistent, standardized tool for assessing whether a given course incorporates the essential elements; the SLQAT was developed in response to this need. The SLQAT has 28 "Essential Elements" which are important for quality student learning outcomes in academic service-learning courses from any discipline, and can be used for research purposes as well as for faculty development and course construction. After an overview of the process, decisions, and development of the SLQAT, the session engages participants in reviewing and using the tool, and in how to reliability rate key elements. Workshop participants will use the SLQAT with a sample course, and will be invited to provide feedback on the protocols, instrument, and potential uses on their campus, including participation in the next stage of piloting.