How Do We Know That Our Work Makes A Difference? Assessment Strategies for Service,Leaming and Civic Engagement

Abstract

Institutions committed to civic engagement and service learning must be able to demonstrate the impact of initiatives. Understanding and articulating "impact" requires knowledge and expertise in the use of various assessment methods, in order to design the measurement of impact, analyze the findings, and report the results. This article provides an overview of practical methods and tools for assessment planning and implementation, and offers suggestions for readers to design assessment plans for their own programs.