Sports Management and Service Learning

Service Learning or Civic Engagement: Sports Management Project Coaching and Teaching High School and Youth Sports

The objective of this study is to examine Service Learning and Civic Engagement as it relates to the Sports Management major and the project of coaching and teaching high school and youth sports.

Service Learning or Civic Engagement in Sports Management focused on coaching and teaching high school and youth sports is an important aspect of the learning project for one with a Sports Management major because it provide invaluable experience for the individual in their future of Sport Management.

Service Learning: Sports Management Students

The work of Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller (2010) report that leaders "in the field of sports management have been calling on the sport management professoriate to engage in the world for many years." (p.31) Service learning is defined in the work of Bringle and Hatcher as "a credit-bearing educational experience in which students participate in an organized activity that meets identified community needs and then reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility." (p.222) In addition it is reported that the "outcomes of service learning are strongest when 'meaningful service activities are related to course material through reflection activities such as directed writings, small group discussions, and class presentations'. (Bringle and Hatcher, 1996, p. 222 cited in Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, p. 32)

Service learning additionally gives individuals a better understanding of others and enable contact with a diversity of individuals. The service learning experience enables participants in becoming members "of a large society and also to begin comprehending the realities of socioeconomic power and control." ( Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, p. 34) In addition, service learning is a method that students can use to transition from "a sense of personal isolation to a sense of their place within a community -- it can help them see the common aspirations that all people share and begin to envision an inclusive respectful form of community." ( Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, p. 34)

II. Leadership Opportunities

Service learning enables the individual go gain in opportunities of leadership and it is reported that many "report an increase in leadership ability as well as an increased ability to work cooperatively, resolve conflicts, and think critically." ( Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, p. 34) Students in sports management in the setting of youth sports have reported that students are very appreciative and that this indicates that "individuals can impact the experiences of others." ( Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, p. 34) The individual who participates in leadership in the setting of youth sports report that afterward that they gain "greater personal awareness...in service learning and regularly describe their service experience as a critical turning point in their educational program that shapes the direction of their vocational choice." ( Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, p. 34)

III. Integration and Service Learning

Students in service learning are reported to "develop a broader view of the world" and in addition, service learning makes provisions of "opportunities for valuable personal growth." ( Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, p. 34) It is reported however, that reflection is a critical aspect of service learning and that this reflection should regularly scheduled, guided, such that incorporates the content of class learning with the service learning experience, should receive feedback and be on the receiving ends of clarification of values of the leaner. ( Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, paraphrased)

IV. Application of Service Learning

Application of the experience gained in service learning provides evidence for the usefulness of the experience. ( Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, paraphrased) Researchers are reported to have "documented academic gains for service learning students" including increases in the students' grade point average, as well as more time spent in study and more contact with the school faculty. ( Bruening, Madsen, Evanovich, and Fuller, 2010, p. 36)

Summary and Conclusion