Identifying Student Traits and Motives to Service-Learn: Public Service Orientation Among New College Freshmen.

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Title:	Identifying Student Traits and Motives to Service-Learn: Public Service Orientation Among New College Freshmen.
Authors:	Christensen, Robert K.¹, Stritch, Justin M.², Kellough, J. Edward³, Brewer, Gene A.⁴
Source:	Journal of Higher Education Outreach & Engagement. 2015, Vol. 19 Issue 4, p39-62. 24p.
Subject Terms:	Service learning, College freshmen, Public servitudes
Abstract:	Among college students, public service motives influence choice of major or job. Although the link between public service motives and prosocial behavior has been established among working adults, researchers have not adequately examined how these motives affect the reported behavior of precareer students. In this article, the authors explored how public service motives and certain demographic characteristics were related to the service orientation of college freshmen. More specifically, they examined whether public service motivation was related to a student's proclivity to enroll in service-learning courses and volunteer frequently. Results indicated that public service motives were positively associated with both curricular and extracurricular public service activities among first-year college students. Race and gender were found to be key traits affecting engagement. The implications of these findings for public service research and education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
	Copyright of Journal of Higher Education Outreach & Engagement is the property of University of Georgia, Office of the Vice President for Public Service & Outreach and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	Among college students, public service motives influence choice of major or job. Although the link between public service motives and prosocial behavior has been established among working adults, researchers have not adequately examined how these motives affect the reported behavior of precareer students. In this article, the authors explored how public service motives and certain demographic characteristics were related to the service orientation of college freshmen. More specifically, they examined whether public service motivation was related to a student's proclivity to enroll in service-learning courses and volunteer frequently. Results indicated that public service motives were positively associated with both curricular and extracurricular public service activities among first-year college students. Race and gender were found to be key traits affecting engagement. The implications of these findings for public service research and education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	15346102