「社会人としての資質能力」の向上に対するボランティア活動の効果

抄録

  The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors influencing the "competencies required for working in society" of college students, especially the effect of volunteer activities. Today it is important to provide education which enhances these "competencies" of students both on college courses and on teacher education courses, and volunteer activities are attracting attention as an important part of college life.

  A questionnaire survey was carried out in 25 private universities and colleges in the Chugoku-Shikoku area in 2005. Usable responses of 1,532 students were statistically analyzed. "Competencies required for working in society" were classified into four categories: self-management, interpersonal relations, planning, and practical conduct. The author considered five factors influencing their "competencies", that is volunteer activities, club activities, part-time jobs, the "care experience" program, and "commitment to study".

  The main findings suggest three important factors. First, students doing volunteer activities tend to commit not only to those activities but also to their study in classes and to evaluate both positively. Volunteer activities affect "competencies" relevant to interpersonal relations and intellectual activities. Second, "commitment to study" is the most significant factor influencing "competencies" of college students. Third, extracurricular activities have a relatively weak influence, though some research has pointed out that the graduates reported feeling an effect from those activities.

  The results of this survey seem to show that participation in volunteer activities and involvement in classes stimulate one another. Also from the analysis it seems that some creative ideas and means for delivering lessons, such as discussions and interactions between the teaching staff and students, are essential to enhance the "competencies" of students in order to help students' learning.