Outcomes of an International Audiology Service-Learning Study-Abroad Program

The purpose of this study was to evaluate students' academic and civic learning, with particular interest in cultural competence, gained through participation in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in Zambia study-abroad program. Twelve female students participated in the program. Quanti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of audiology 2016-03, Vol.25 (1), p.1-13
Main Authors: Krishnan, Lata A, Richards, K Andrew R, Simpson, Jennifer M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude of Health Personnel
Audiology
Audiology - education
Career Development
Citizenship education
Clinical Competence
College Faculty
Community service
Cultural Competency
Curricula
Curriculum
Educational Strategies
Experiential Learning
Female
Foreign study
Humans
Management
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Program Evaluation
Qualitative Research
Social Welfare
Student Attitudes
Student service
Students
Study and teaching
Teaching Methods
Thinking Skills
Undergraduate Students
Young Adult
Zambia
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to evaluate students' academic and civic learning, with particular interest in cultural competence, gained through participation in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in Zambia study-abroad program. Twelve female students participated in the program. Quantitative data collected included pre- and postprogram administration of the Public Affairs Scale (Levesque-Bristol & Cornelius-White, 2012) to measure changes in participants' civic learning. Qualitative data included journals, end-of-program reflection papers, videos, and researcher field notes. Feedback was also obtained from community-partner organizations via a questionnaire and rating scale. Comparison of the pre- and postprogram Public Affairs Scale data showed a significant increase in cultural competence and a marginal increase in community engagement at the conclusion of the program. Qualitative data showed that participants' cultural awareness was increased, they benefited from hands-on learning, and they experienced a variety of emotions and emotional and personal growth. Results show that a short-term study-abroad program with a service-learning component can be a mechanism for students to enhance academic and civic learning, specifically cultural competence and clinical skills. Sustainability of programs is a challenge that needs to be addressed.
ISSN:1059-0889
1558-9137
DOI:10.1044/2015_AJA-15-0054