Breaking the time barrier: helping students "find the time" to do intergenerational service-learning.

This study addresses issues related to mandatory versus optional service-learning assignments and presents findings from a study of an option-based service-learning program. Using qualitative data collected from students over two semesters, this study examines one of the biggest barriers students cite to successful participation in service-learning options--"not having enough time." Typically, time constraints manifest themselves in one of two ways: first is students who elect not to participate in the service-learning option because they do not see the required time commitment as feasible; a second concern is the small percentage of students who have difficulty completing the hours for which they have signed up. With the majority of students employed part- or even full-time in addition to their school work, these time barriers are not surprising. A variety of strategies to help students "find the time" to do service-learning are explored.