As mentioned above, it is critical that students perceive the value of the project they
are working on right away if outcomes are to be maximized. The best way to ensure
that students will be engaged (and, consequently, productive) is to place them in projects
that excite them. When students are excited about something, they will have a
greater sense of commitment—a key to the success of a service learning team
(Beckman & Caponigro, 2005).