Service-Learning as a Strategy for Professional Development in the Social Education Degree

Análisis desde los ejes formativo, de aprendizaje y de servicio

Abstract

Service-learning has become an established pedagogical approach within Social Education programmes in Spain, integrating the development of professional competences with responses to real community needs. Based on an analysis of eight academic publications released between 2020 and 2025, this study exam-ines the contribution of service-learning across three core dimensions –training, learning and service–while identifying a fourth emerging dimension related to implementation. The findings indicate enhanced professional identity, civic engagement and transferable skills among students, alongside positive community outcomes. However, the study also highlights the need for improved planning, sustainability and systematic evaluation if service-learning is to become a fully consolidated methodology within higher education.