Approach to service-learning methodology through the physical practice of plogging and EFL teaching

Abstract

The practice of physical activity and sport (PAS) is an excellent educational tool for the development of sustainable attitudes in students. In addition, the service-learning (SL) methodology is recognized as an educational proposal that combines learning and community service processes where the participants learn while working on real needs of the environment. The present study aims to analyse the effects of a SL program in university students of Physical Activity and Sport (PAS) area based on an intervention of plogging in Melilla (Spain). Moreover, these students have the opportunity to interact at the same time with female foreign unaccompanied minors (FUM) through the use of English as foreign language (EFL). A parallel two-group, longitudinal (pre, post) design was used with an experimental group and a control group. The effects of the intervention were assessed with the impact of service learning during initial training of PAS questionnaire (S- LPA) and the Prosocial and Civic Competence (PCC) questionnaire. Data showed that plogging intervention produced changes in the S-LPA and in PCC questionnaire. Posteriorly, correlation analysis revealed a negative moderate correlation between professional skills of S-LPA questionnaire and prosocial leadership of PCC questionnaire (r =-.41, p= .011) that was better explain with a regression analysis (p = 0.01, adjusted r 2 = 0.14). An 8-sessions of the service learning program had a positive impact on S-LPA and PCC questionnaire of university students’ participants. In conclusion, the use of SL program reflected in plogging intervention can help achieve high level of physical activity in favour of a healthy lifestyle in university students.