Dataset on the Validation and Standardization of the Questionnaire for the Self-Assessment of Service-Learning Experiences in Higher Education (QaSLu)

Abstract

This dataset shows the original validation and standardization of the Questionnaire for the Self-Assessment of Service-Learning Experiences in Higher Education (QaSLu). The QaSLu is the first instrument to measure university service-learning (USL), validated following a strict qualitative and quantitative process by a sample of experts in USL and generating rating scales for different profiles of professors. The Delphi method was used for the qualitative validation by 16 academic experts, who evaluated the relevance and clarity of the items. After two consultation rounds, 45 items were qualitatively validated, generating the QaSLu-45. Then, 118 instructors from 43 universities took part as the sample in the quantitative validation procedure. Quantitative validation was carried out through goodness-of-fit measures using confirmatory factor analysis and the final configuration optimized using one-factor robust exploratory factor analysis, determining the most optimal version of the questionnaire under the law of parsimony, the QaSLu-27, with only 27 items and better psychometric properties. Finally, rating scales were calculated to compare different profiles of USL professors. These findings offer a valid, strong, and trustworthy instrument. The QaSLu-27 may be helpful for the design of USL experiences, in addition to facilitating the assessment of such programs to enhance teaching and learning processes.

Keywords

• service-learning
• higher education
• educational evaluation
• validity
• internal consistency
• standardization