Experiential Learning Through a Physical Activity Program for Children With Disabilities

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Andrew R. Richards ◽  
Andrew D. Eberline ◽  
Sookhenlall Padaruth ◽  
Thomas J. Templin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
Academic Learning ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
Civic Learning ◽  
Making A Difference

Service-learning has become a popular pedagogical tool to promote academic and civic learning. One form of service-learning provides physical activity for underrepresented community groups, including children with disabilities. Using experiential learning theory, the purpose of this descriptive case study was to evaluate college students’ experiences in a physical activity-based service learning program for children with disabilities. Through convenience sampling, 97 program participants (82 female, 15 male), most of whom were White (N = 85), were recruited for participation. Data included a pre- and postsurvey of civic learning, participant interviews, reflective journaling, and program observations. Qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparison and inductive analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using Mixed ANOVAs. Results revealed that the program resulted in enhanced civic and academic learning. Themes included making a difference, academic and career connections, emotional and personal growth, and program reflection. Implications of the study and future directions for research are discussed.

Community Involvement and Benefits From an International Service Learning Program

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 5-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lata A. Krishnan ◽  
Christi Masters ◽  
Jennifer M. Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Short Term ◽  
International Service Learning ◽  
International Service ◽  
Short Term Study ◽  
Service Activities ◽  
Study Abroad Program

Service learning (SL) is a form of experiential learning in which students are involved in community service activities that are related to academic course objectives. A key aspect that separates SL from other forms of experiential learning is the mutually beneficial nature of the service activities. Much of the SL and international SL (ISL) literature has focused on positive learning outcomes for students, with much less focus on the benefits of SL to the community. Speech, Language, and Hearing Services (SLHS) in Zambia is an intensive SL short-term study abroad program. This paper describes the benefits to the community via the SLHS in Zambia program.

Problem-Based Learning and Authentic Assessment as an Implementation of Outcomes-Based Education in the Computer Engineering Program of Ateneo de Davao University

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-36
Author(s):  
Eufemia Faller ◽  
Edicio Faller
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Authentic Assessment ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Computer Engineering ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Concrete Solution ◽  
Outcomes Based Education

The 21st century education challenges educators to expose students to a wide variety of circumstances and problem situations where they are required to apply the skills they have learned. In engineering education, these are mostly limited to simulated scenarios which are devoid of real and actual interactions with the problems in the community. This article aims to describe how problem-based learning pedagogy and authentic assessment are used in the Computer Engineering program of Ateneo de Davao University as an implementation of the outcomes-based education. This is a descriptive & qualitative research that utilizes focus group discussions as a methodology for achieving its objective. This study uses the frame of experiential learning that is problem-driven, community-based, multi-disciplinary, integrative & collaborative. The computer engineering program uses a multi-disciplinary and integrative approach to problem-based learning through the service-learning program of the institution. This provides the students with an opportunity to interact with a community, identify its problems, analyze and create a concrete solution applying their acquired skills. Since the students are engaged with the community's actual and real problems, they will be assessed using authentic assessment mechanisms. Experiential learning, problem-based pedagogy with authentic assessment open doors of opportunities for a more meaningful and relevant computer engineering program.

scholarly journals Assessing Service-Learning in a College-Level Adolescent Development Course

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-101
Author(s):  
Cheryl L. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Adolescent Development ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
Academic Learning ◽  
College Level ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Traditional Course ◽  
Development Course

Service-learning is an instructional method in which students learn course content by actively participating in thoughtfully organized service experiences related to the content. Effectively linking service-learning to course content not only offers students a powerful opportunity to maximize academic learning, but also promotes their personal growth and instills a commitment to lifelong, civic engagement. Service-learning was integrated into an upper level Family and Consumer Sciences Adolescent Development course. In addition to completing the traditional course work, students also completed a service-learning experience at a community agency that served adolescents. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the service-learning component, students were surveyed at the end of the semester about their service-learning experiences. All agreed they had learned more about course concepts as a result of their SL experience, and the majority felt their service-learning activity provided a needed service to the agency and community.

A Mastery Motivational Climate-Based Service-Learning Program: Physical and Psychosocial Benefits Among Underserved Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Kipp ◽  
Karen Meaney ◽  
L. Kent Griffin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Perceived Competence ◽  
Motivational Climate ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Mastery Motivational Climate

We explored children’s physical activity level and psychosocial outcomes in a service-learning program. The program, taught by preservice physical educators, engages children in fun activities within a mastery motivational climate (MMC). Forty-two children in grades K–4 wore accelerometers during two 90-min sessions, resulting in 84 data points. Forty-three children age 8 and up completed a postprogram survey assessing motivational climate, perceived competence, and personal and social responsibility. Of those, 27 completed a presurvey as well. On average, children were engaged in light activity for 38.6% and moderate-to-vigorous activity for 26.0% of the program time. Social responsibility improved from pre- to postassessment. Children perceived a high MMC, and regression analyses showed that MMC was positively related to perceived competence, personal responsibility, and social responsibility at the end of the program. Results suggest this program was effective in using an MMC to promote social responsibility while engaging students in light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity.

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