Serve as You Learn: Problem-Based Service-Learning Integrated into a Product Innovation and Management Class

Abstract

Service-learning is a form of experiential education in which students participate in organized activities and develop a sense of civic responsibility while acquiring content knowledge of the discipline. The purpose of this study was first, to examine the underlying theories and principles of service-learning, and second, to present a case of systemic implementation of problem-based service-learning into a Product Innovation and Management class in higher education. The New Product Development for an E-Commerce Small Business project was developed for a community partner, BevShots, reflecting the needs of the firm, and was tightly woven into the course content. Students’ participation in the project not only had a significant effect on increasing their awareness of the needs in the community and identifying their roles as citizens but also enhanced their content knowledge learning. The community partner also received benefits for his business by participating in the project. Through this study, we aim to inspire fashion design and merchandising educators to implement service-learning projects/classes in the curriculum.