University Service-Learning as a promoter of social commitment in Physical Activity and Sport students

Abstract

To face the profound economic, social, political and cultural changes that are taking place worldwide, social responsibility is required. Acting responsibly from social commitment means acting autonomously, making decisions and being protagonists of the actions we undertake to achieve prosperous changes for society. The main objective of this research study is to know and analyze the impact of the University Service-Learning on the social responsibility of Physical Activity and Sports students. The research study has been developed following an interpretive-critical perspective with an intrinsic case study research design. The participants and main protagonists of this research are 145 students of the Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences and the Degree in Primary Education Teacher with a mention in Physical Education from the Autonomous University of Madrid. Different techniques and instruments were used to collect the information: group interviews, focus groups, reflective questionnaires and the student portfolio. It is concluded that the experiences of University Service-Learning in Physical Activity and Sports seem to have a vital and coherent meaning with initial training and social progress, being considerably appropriate to train responsible citizens capable of generating social changes and favoring the inclusion of vulnerable social groups.