Implementation of Service-Learning as a Strategy to Foster Intercultural Coexistence in the Local Community: A Case Study

Abstract

Service-learning (SL) is a participatory teaching–learning methodology through which students learn certain content while also meeting a number of real social needs in their environment. The implementation of SL in different areas and educational stages has been extensively described. However, its potential as a community and intercultural development strategy at the local level has not been widely studied. Through a documentary analysis, the present work sought to understand the characteristics of socio-educational interventions, which, based on the service-learning methodology, aim at improving coexistence in local communities with a high degree of cultural diversity. A total of 18 projects were included in a community programme implemented in the municipality of Elche (Spain) between 2010 and 2016. They all focused or included the promotion of intercultural coexistence among their objectives. The study design was quantitative, with a descriptive and explanatory, univariate and bivariate analysis using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences 26. The results showed that service-learning can contribute to the improvement of intercultural coexistence. Moreover, a number of SL basic, pedagogical and organisational components are enhanced when integrated into broader community development processes.