The adventure of quantitative methods for community services, a research service learning subject

Abstract

Most service learning subjects can be classified into direct and indirect service learning. Within indirect service learning, there is a small group of research service learning, which aims to serve the community by performing research work. Research work may include research on how the general public think about a certain service or facility or how a policy is affecting the society. The service learning subject, “Quantitative Methods for Community Service,” aims to help NGOs to better understand their current and potential service recipients and how do their service targets rate their current and/or potential service. This paper will state the basic idea and arrangement for the subject. Discussion will be made about problems which are critical and influential in a research service learning subject and how the teaching team has tried to tackle the problems. Real-life examples are provided for the sake of discussion and no personal data will be revealed.