The effects of service learning participation in foreign language classes on students' attitudes towards the Spanish language and culture and their language proficiency

This dissertation examines the effects of service learning experiences on participants' attitudes towards the Spanish language and culture and their language proficiency. It was hypothesized that using the Spanish language outside the confines of the academic environment would affect participants' attitudes and have an impact on their language proficiency. The study was conducted in a college setting with 53 participants who were all studying Basic Spanish II as a foreign language. 20 of these participants were also involved in a service learning program where they had opportunities to use their language skills in a real life setting. Pre and post survey data was collected to analyze participants' attitudes towards the Spanish language and culture, as well as towards language learning, native Spanish speakers and community relations. Two different pre and post assessments were used as objective measures of participants' course-specific language proficiency and their general language proficiency. These tests were examined in conjunction with the participants' self reports. Qualitative analyses of participants' reflective journals were also coded for trends in participants' attitudes and language proficiency. Findings indicated the positive role that service learning experiences played in participants' plans to continue their language instruction as well as on their general language proficiency. The pedagogical implications that resulted from this study could potentially change and improve the field of foreign language learning in the classroom and beyond.