ERIC Number: EJ1144562
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1534-6102
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Evaluating Reactions to Community Bridge Initiative Pilot Classes
Koldewyn, Julie; Brain, Roslynn; Stephens, Kate
Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, v21 n2 p197-216 2017
Does participating in an integrated service-learning project aimed at improving local sustainability issues result in significant professional real-world application for students? This study aimed to answer that question by evaluating student reactions to pilot classes featuring a sustainability-based service-learning program, Community Bridge Initiative (CBI), in comparison to traditional university courses. A survey (response rate = 86%) was administered to students enrolled in four different CBI pilot classes (n = 109) within two different disciplines, natural resources and sociology. Results revealed that of all students responding, 92% reported a positive impact from the CBI class, 88% would take a CBI course again, and 73% felt that the CBI course was more effective in communicating course content in comparison to traditional Utah State University courses. This article reveals additional student perspectives and potential benefits from implementing the CBI program in a university setting.
Descriptors: Service Learning, Program Effectiveness, Sustainability, Student Attitudes, Comparative Analysis, Conventional Instruction, College Students, Natural Resources, Sociology, Student Surveys, Mixed Methods Research, Likert Scales
Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, University of Georgia and the Institute of Higher Education. Treanor House, 1234 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30602. Tel: 706-542-6167; Fax: 706-542-6124; e-mail: jheoe@uga.edu; Web site: http://www.jheoe.uga.edu
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: Utah
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A