Collaborative Learning: The Effects of Service Learning on Personal and Professional Development for School Counselors-in-Training

Service learning has long been regarded as an instructional tool for educational enhancement. Lacking from the research, however, is the impact of service learning for school counselors-in-training. As school counselors-in-training are charged with the task of partnering in advocacy, leadership, and as agents of change for children, families, schools, and communities at large, the question then becomes, “what impact does service learning have on the developing school counseling professional?” The current study involved 12 graduate school counselors-in-training writing reflective journals following their 10-hour service learning experience. From qualitative data analysis, four overarching themes emerged from the participants’ experiences. Service learning (a) challenged assumptions; (b) supported gaining new knowledge, resources, and networking; (c) was a positive experience; and (d) encouraged self-reflection of the future focused professional. Findings support that implementing service learning into graduate curriculum for school counselors-in-training can lead to meaningful gains in personal and professional development.