Service-Learning in university innovation. An experience conducted in the training of social educators

Abstract

This article presents the assessment of an innovative experience using the Service-Learning Methodology in the Degree of Social Education (University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU).It has been accomplished within the second year subject “General methodological proposals in socio-educational intervention and social exclusion» coursed by 67 students during the 2011-2012 school year.. This work´s methodology based on assessment research focuses on three different areas: Theoretical base about the development and impact of this methodology in higher education in the interna-tional scope. Description about the design and development of the experience, and Global assessment of the process. Outcomes, difficulties and corrective measures were analysed by all involved agents; students, community partners (local organizations, institutions and different entities which took an active part in the experience)and teachers. We conclude by providing evidence of the contextualized, experiential, deep and professionalizing learning experienced by the students as well as the caused moti-vation. Finally, we reflect on the difficulties and challenges that teachers and academic institutions must face in order to extent the implementation of this methodology in higher education.