The impact of service-learning on apparel design students’ self-efficacy of apparel construction, management, and communication skills

A stitch shop was created as a service-learning component of an advanced apparel construction class. Students provided mending and alteration services for the campus community. Pre and post-tests measured students’ self-efficacy in their apparel construction, management, and communication skills as a result of participating in the shop. Results indicated that students’ self-efficacy in their apparel construction and management skills increased but there was no significant increase in student’s self-efficacy of their communication skills. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.