Service-Learning as Part of the L2 Spanish Classroom in Canada

Abstract

Service-learning in foreign language classrooms is an effective resource for developing language motivation. Unfortunately, Canadian language programs have been off to a slow start in adopting integrative teaching such as service-learning in their foreign language curricula (Hale, 1999). This work reports on a Community Service Learning (CSL) initiative introduced at a Canadian university in the Hispanic Studies program. A total of fifty
second and third year Spanish language students volunteered with various community partners on a weekly basis for a total of sixteen weeks. End-of-term questionnaire indicates that overall students had a favorable experience at their placement and CSL had a positive influence in continuing their studies in Spanish.