Academic Service Learning Experiences of Compensation and Benefit Course Students

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of human resource students who had recently and successfully completed a service learning project for an undergraduate compensation and benefits course. Four specific themes or categories emerged from the 10 in-depth student interviews: pedagogical differences, student learning, personal benefits, and challenges and problems. Findings support the premise that academic service learning in human resource coursework is effective and beneficial for students. In fact, all felt that they learned and benefited more from this project or assignment than from any other they had undertaken.