ERIC Number: EJ1011684
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-May
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1527-9316
EISSN: N/A
Enhancing Curriculum through Service Learning in the Social Determinants of Health Course
Rooks, Ronica Nicole; Rael, Christine Tagliaferri
Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, v13 n2 p84-101 May 2013
Service learning bridges classroom learning and community volunteerism and is anchored in the curriculum, classroom discussion, and
community. We incorporated service learning projects (SLP) into three Social Determinants of Health courses (2008-2010) to promote: experiential learning; undergraduate scholarship; faculty career development through the scholarship of teaching and learning; and collaborative university-community research to reduce social inequalities in health. We examined whether SLP facilitated student learning of course concepts. We used mixed methods analyzing students' (n = 25) pre-/post-test surveys, research papers, and site supervisors' (n = 17) interviews. Despite positive survey ratings, results showed decreased student agreement about SLP facilitating student learning. Content analysis revealed specific student themes: finding SLP rewarding for future public health careers; aligning student interests with community-based organizations (CBOs)' goals; and valuing
interactive experiences with CBOs' clients. Students gained beneficial career development skills with CBOs but needed better preparation for their SLP by increased discussion of their and CBOs' expectations. (Contains 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Service Learning, Health Education, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Students, College Faculty, Career Development, School Community Relationship, Social Differences, Pretests Posttests, Student Research, Interviews, Content Analysis, Student Attitudes, Administrator Attitudes, Community Organizations, Student Surveys, Mixed Methods Research
Indiana University. 755 West Michigan Street UL 1180D, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Tel: 317-274-5647; Fax: 317-278-2360; e-mail: josotl@iupui.edu; Web site: http://www.iupui.edu/~josotl
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Colorado
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A