Influence of Service-Learning on Motivation, Prosociality, and Importance of Physical Education on Adolescents’ Students

Social changes have significantly impacted the educational system at various levels, for example, through legislative reforms, and have consequently guided the teaching–learning process. One of the emerging methodologies is Service-Learning (SL), which directly affects student competence and promotes habits related to physical activity and health. The present quasi-experimental study examined the impact of an SL program on secondary school students (n = 112). The aim of the 16-session SL program, which was part of the Physical Education course, was to improve the physical condition and health of 18 sedentary older adults. The influence of this program on motivation, the prosocial climate, and the importance that the students attribute to the subject of Physical Education was assessed. The most significant results were found to be those related to the School Prosocial Climate linked to empathy (p < 0.05) and the motivational variable of Intrinsic Motivation for Stimulating Experiences (p < 0.01). In conclusion, it was determined that the implementation of a methodology based on SL has positive effects on students’ empathy and intrinsic motivation.