Implementing a service learning model for teaching research methods and program evaluation

In an effort to teach students the basic knowledge of research methods and the realities of conducting research in the context of agencies in the community, faculty developed and implemented a service learning model for teaching research and program evaluation to foundation-year MSW students. A year-long foundation course was designed in which one instructor taught a research methods course (scientific methods in social work) and an evaluation course (evaluation in social work) consecutively with the same group of students. The primary focus of these courses was on student group research projects with agencies in the community. This design was developed to deepen students' learning of research by (1) promoting continuity in instruction, (2) removing redundancies in content between two research courses, and (3) extending the time needed for rigorous program evaluation projects with community agencies. The strengths and challenges in implementation are discussed.