ERIC Number: EJ1218374
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jun
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2472-5749
EISSN: N/A
Putting Theory into Practice: Incorporating a Community Engagement Model into Online Pre-Professional Courses in Legal Studies and Human Resources Management
France-Harris, Antoinette; Burton, Christie; Mooney, Mara
Online Learning, v23 n2 p21-39 Jun 2019
Scholars widely agree that community-engaged learning can significantly improve the learning experience for students while simultaneously having a positive impact on the community. This paper explores student perceptions in online pre-professional undergraduate courses in the legal studies and human resources management fields in which community-engaged learning projects were utilized. Students were paired with community members in instructor-focused activities linked to their academic curricula. Using reflective discussions, a survey, and focus groups, the instructors attempted to gather important data related to student perceptions of the community-engaged learning experience that builds upon prior research. While specific themes emerged in each course, the most significant findings common to both groups were the following: (1) students recognized the powerful impact of their profession, (2) students realized the increasing importance of soft skills to their success, and (3) students appreciated the growth in their own personal attitudes and professional skills. The student perceptions from these classes should lead to a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of community-engaged online classrooms and give guidance for developing future projects.
Descriptors: Theory Practice Relationship, Models, Online Courses, Legal Education (Professions), Human Resources, Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Service Learning, Student Development, Personnel Management, Educational Environment, Teacher Student Relationship, Peer Relationship, Instructional Effectiveness, Educational Quality, College Faculty, School Community Programs, Student Volunteers, Professional Identity, Advocacy, Private Financial Support, Cooperative Learning
Online Learning Consortium, Inc. P.O. Box 1238, Newburyport, MA 01950. Tel: 888-898-6209; Fax: 888-898-6209; e-mail: olj@onlinelearning-c.org; Web site: https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/index
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A