Limitations of service-learning in initial training in physical activity and sports

Service-Learning is an innovative approach that encourages solidarity participation of students, which has shown benefits for students' learning and their personal development. Although there is no doubt about the formative potential of Service-Learning projects, its application has limitations (difficulties and inconveniences) that require a deep review, in order to draw clear criteria for the development of successful experiences. Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyze the limitations of the implementation of a Service-Learning experience in physical activity and sport in initial training. Three teachers of the subject in Physical Activities and Sports in the Natural Environment of the Physical Activity and Sports Science degree at the Autonomous University of Madrid took part in the study, along with 30 second-year students who voluntarily offered to participate, and 61 service recipients. The information was collected through portfolios and interviews with the students, and with teachers' logs. Among the difficulties detected in the experience we found: (1) university students' lack of training and experience with the design, intervention, and assessment of physical activity and sports projects; (2) high workload for both teachers and students; and (3) difficulty to develop coordinated actions among programs, between teachers and students, and among the students themselves. Limitations of this research are represented by the study context and the application of specific programs of physical activity.