Motivational Differences by Gender for Students' Participation in Co-Curricular Service-Learning

• In Event: 31.093 - Sheraton Roundtable Three - Osgoode Ballroom
  In Roundtable Session: 31.093-4 - Civic and Campus Student Engagement

Abstract

Effective alternative spring break (ASB) programs provide rich opportunities to engage students in active citizenship and social justice issues in communities (Sumka, Porter, Piacitelli, 2015). Males, however, participate at lower rates than females in these programs. To better understand why, three research questions guided this mixed methods study of 118 ASB program applications at one institution: Are students accepted to the ASB program at different rates based on gender? Is there a relationship between major orientation and participation? How does gender identity influence motivations to participate? Quantitative analysis found no difference in acceptance based on gender and major orientation. Analysis of 118 applications using six functional motivations (Clary et al., 1998) revealed qualitative differences in motivation for males and females.

Authors

• Tricia Stokes, The University of Vermont

• Elsa V Richter, The University of Vermont

• Laura Megivern, The University of Vermont

• Brandin Howard, The University of Vermont