Promoting Positive Development Among Disadvantaged Primary School Students Through a Service-Learning Project

IF 2.1 4区社会学 Q1 SOCIAL WORK

Research on Social Work Practice Pub Date : 2026-06-11 DOI:10.1177/10497315261459321

Xiaoqin Zhu, Yi-Ting Tang, Diya Dou, Daniel T.L. Shek

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose Service learning (SL) is a recognized experiential pedagogy that offers reciprocal benefits, yet most research focuses on service providers. This study examined the benefits for disadvantaged children who were service recipients in an SL course. Methods We used a single-group pretest–posttest design and a matched sample of 216 Grade 3 students (49.54% girls, mean age = 9.34 ± 0.62 years). Results Repeated-measures multivariate analyses of variance revealed significant improvements in academic development ( F = 20.92, p < .001, η p 2 = .233), positive generic attributes ( F = 6.03, p < .001, η p 2 = .248), and well-being ( F = 10.39, p < .001, η p 2 = .089), along with significant decreases in mental health issues ( F = 6.01, p < .001, η p 2 = .079). Boys and girls showed comparable favorable changes. Conclusions These findings support SL's effectiveness in promoting positive development among disadvantaged children, highlighting SL as a promising strategy for enhancing children's holistic development.

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透过服务学习计划促进弱势小学生的积极发展

服务学习（SL）是一种公认的体验式教学法，提供互惠互利，但大多数研究都集中在服务提供者身上。本研究考察了在特殊语言课程中接受服务的弱势儿童的利益。方法采用单组前测后测设计和匹配样本216例（女生49.54%，平均年龄= 9.34±0.62岁）。结果重复测量多变量方差分析显示，学业发展（F = 20.92, p < .001, η p 2 = .233）、积极的一般属性（F = 6.03, p < .001, η p 2 = .248）和幸福感（F = 10.39, p < .001, η p 2 = .089）显著改善，心理健康问题显著减少（F = 6.01, p < .001, η p 2 = .079）。男孩和女孩表现出类似的有利变化。结论本研究结果支持了语言学习在促进弱势儿童积极发展方面的有效性，强调了语言学习是促进儿童整体发展的一种有前景的策略。

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来源期刊

Research on Social Work Practice SOCIAL WORK-

CiteScore

3.50

自引率

11.10%

发文量

105

期刊介绍： Research on Social Work Practice, sponsored by the Society for Social Work and Research, is a disciplinary journal devoted to the publication of empirical research concerning the methods and outcomes of social work practice. Social work practice is broadly interpreted to refer to the application of intentionally designed social work intervention programs to problems of societal and/or interpersonal importance, including behavior analysis or psychotherapy involving individuals; case management; practice involving couples, families, and small groups; community practice education; and the development, implementation, and evaluation of social policies.