Dimensions of Spirituality Fostered through the PULSE Program for Service Learning
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-26-2016
Abstract
Cultivating spiritual development is central to the mission of Catholic higher education institutions. Studies demonstrate that service learning is a pedagogical method through which spiritual development can be fostered among undergraduates. This study builds upon prior research to analyze whether spiritual growth occurred and which dimensions of spirituality changed most significantly for students participating in the Boston College PULSE Program for Service Learning. PULSE is a year-long experience integrating weekly service with coursework in philosophy and theology through structured reflection. Quantitative findings indicate that nearly 80 percent of study participants grew spiritually. Results indicate that the most significant change occurred in the dimensions of: 1) believing in the interconnectedness of humanity and a related desire to serve humanity, 2) seeking to better understand oneself and one’s purpose in life, and 3) facing religious/spiritual struggle. Interview excerpts provide detailed descriptions of how students described growth in specific dimensions of spirituality.
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.15365/joce.2001052016
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License.
Published Article/Book Citation
Sterk Barrett, M. (2016). Dimensions of spirituality fostered through the PULSE Program for Service Learning. Journal of Catholic Education, 20 (1). http://dx.doi.org/10.15365/joce.2001052016
Repository Citation
Sterk Barrett, Michelle C., "Dimensions of Spirituality Fostered through the PULSE Program for Service Learning" (2016). Scholarship and Professional Writing from the J.D. Power Center. 4.
https://crossworks.holycross.edu/claw_fac_scholarship/4
Comments
This article is the Version of Record published in Journal of Catholic Education http://dx.doi.org/10.15365/joce.2001052016