19th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Evaluation of Service Learning in Consumer Health Classes
Lindsay N. Loughead* and Gregory M. Day
Dr. Janice Clark Young and Dr. Roberta Donahue, Faculty Mentors
Civic Engagement, also referred to as service learning is a vibrant asset to an undergraduate curriculum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate student reactions to service learning. Students enrolled in Consumer Health completed a service learning project by becoming self-care facilitators. After being trained as facilitators they were given the opportunity to act as peer-educators and go into the residence halls and give self-care presentations to students. After the presentations were completed, a qualitative study was conducted among 18 undergraduate students using a focus group format. Results indicated students believed the self-care intervention was a good choice for service-learning in Consumer Health class due to its direct relevance to the course content. Practical application of the course content, service to others, and increased personal knowledge and skills were identified as particularly appealing aspects of the self-care service-learning experience. This self-care, service-learning opportunity enabled undergraduate health science students to make a positive impact on their peers while enhancing their own learning and self-efficacy in making health education presentations.
Keywords: Service Learning, Health Science, Consumer Health, Civic Engagement
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 60-33
Location: OP Lobby and Atrium
Time: 4:15