28th Annual Student Research Conference
The Optimal Duration of a Service Learning Project in the Field of Communication Disorders
Meghan E. Crider*, Rachel J. Meinert, and Elizabeth M. Grothoff
Dr. Ilene Elmlinger and Dr. Janet Gooch, Faculty Mentors
A research project was conducted studying the optimal duration of a service-learning project for junior level Communication Disorders students at Truman State University. The service-learning project involved interprofessional collaboration between Truman's Communication Disorders department and staff members at Kirksville's Early Head Start Center. The junior level Communication Disorders students provided language enrichment services for students at Early Head Start for varying lengths of time. Four groups were studied, including three experimental groups and one control group. One experimental group attended Early Head Start for a ten week period, one group attended for five weeks, the third group attended for two weeks, and the control group did not attend Early Head Start. Surveys were used to assess the differences that occurred in the knowledge and comfort level among the various experimental groups and the control group in order to conclude which duration of time was most optimal for the service-learning experience.
Keywords: Language enrichment, Optimal duration, Service-learning, Early Head Start, Communication Disorders, Interprofessional collaboration
Topic(s):Communication Disorders
Service Learning
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 407-3
Location: MG 2090
Time: 3:00