Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes Toward Individuals With Disabilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Carlson ◽  
Hannah Witschey
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Disabled Persons ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Direct Experience ◽  
Employment Services ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Psychology Course

This study examined whether combining classroom curriculum with direct experience with people with disabilities (PWDs) can influence change in undergraduate students’ attitudes toward PWDs. Undergraduate students ( N = 68) enrolled in a psychology course completed the Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale at the beginning and end of the semester. During the semester, students learned about various disabilities and participated in a 10-hr service-learning project that required direct, supervised interaction with PWDs at a local, nonprofit organization that provides employment services to adults with disabilities. Students reported more positive attitudes toward PWDs at the end of the semester. Having an increased comfort level in interacting with PWDs can give students pursuing careers that involve working with PWDs an advantage.

The Impact of Information-Processing Styles on College Students' Attitudes toward People with Disabilities

2011 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Suthakaran ◽  
Scott Wright ◽  
Elise Simpson ◽  
Melissa Marra ◽  
Devin Sonner
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Disabled Persons ◽  
Process Information ◽  
Processing Styles ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between information- processing styles, as defined by using Epstein's (1994) cognitive-experiential self-theory (CEST), and college students' attitudes toward people with disabilities (PWD). The ability and favorability to process information experientially or rationally were measured using the Rational Experiential Inventory (REI), and attitudes toward PWD were measured using the Attitudes Towards Disabled Persons Scale-Form O (ATDP-O). Undergraduate students (N = 163) from a psychology subject pool participated in this study. Results indicated that favoring an experiential style of information processing was positively related to attitudes toward PWD. The ability to process information experientially or rationally and the favoring of a rational style of information processing were not found to be related to attitudes toward PWD. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed.

The Impact of TimeSlips on Undergraduate Students in Service Learning With Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sabine Heuer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Attitude Shift ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Journal Entries

Purpose Future speech-language pathologists are often unprepared in their academic training to serve the communicative and cognitive needs of older adults with dementia. While negative attitudes toward older adults are prevalent among undergraduate students, service learning has been shown to positively affect students' attitudes toward older adults. TimeSlips is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to improve health care students' attitudes toward older adults. The purpose of this study is to explore the change in attitudes in speech-language pathology students toward older adults using TimeSlips in service learning. Method Fifty-one students participated in TimeSlips service learning with older adults and completed the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) before and after service learning. In addition, students completed a reflection journal. The DAS data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics, and journal entries were analyzed using a qualitative analysis approach. Results The service learners exhibited a significant increase in positive attitude as indexed on the DAS. The reflective journal entries supported the positive change in attitudes. Conclusions A noticeable attitude shift was indexed in reflective journals and on the DAS. TimeSlips is an evidence-based, patient-centered approach well suited to address challenges in the preparation of Communication Sciences and Disorders students to work with the growing population of older adults.

Lessons Learned From 15 Years of Service-Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 17-40
Author(s):  
Lori Simons ◽  
Lawrence Fehr ◽  
Lake Greene
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Intercultural Relationships ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Psychology Course ◽  
Service Experiences

This chapter describes lessons learned from students involved in a service-learning program in an urban school district during the past 15 years. A total of 729 undergraduate students enrolled in an educational psychology course took part in the study. Students completed a survey at the beginning and end of the course. The findings indicate that academic-based service-learning and cultural-based service-learning contribute to different learning outcomes. Academic-based service-learners develop intercultural relationships with service recipients and community partners and acquire an understanding of social disparities in the community while cultural-based service-learners develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Students also appeared to make meaning out of their diverse service experiences and acquired a deeper understanding about how social responsibility is part of their role as preservice teachers in their school community. Implications for incorporating CBSL strategies in a teacher education program are discussed.

Lessons Learned From 15 Years of Service-Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 903-925
Author(s):  
Lori Simons ◽  
Lawrence Fehr ◽  
Lake Greene
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Intercultural Relationships ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Psychology Course ◽  
Service Experiences

This chapter describes lessons learned from students involved in a service-learning program in an urban school district during the past 15 years. A total of 729 undergraduate students enrolled in an educational psychology course took part in the study. Students completed a survey at the beginning and end of the course. The findings indicate that academic-based service-learning and cultural-based service-learning contribute to different learning outcomes. Academic-based service-learners develop intercultural relationships with service recipients and community partners and acquire an understanding of social disparities in the community while cultural-based service-learners develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Students also appeared to make meaning out of their diverse service experiences and acquired a deeper understanding about how social responsibility is part of their role as preservice teachers in their school community. Implications for incorporating CBSL strategies in a teacher education program are discussed.

scholarly journals IMPROVING COLLEGE STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING POPULATIONS: USING CBT-BASED GERONTOLOGICAL PEDAGOGY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S727-S728
Author(s):  
Qiwei Li ◽  
Heath Harllee ◽  
Becky P Knight
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Theory ◽  
Course Outcomes

Abstract The U.S. is facing a shortage of aging-related professionals. Lack of positive attitudes among undergraduate students towards the older population may restrict them from participating as aging professionals. However, research majorly focused on the attitudes among students already in the medical training fields instead of improvement of the attitudes among undergraduate students who potentially will devote themselves to be aging professionals. We seek to enhance attitudes toward the aging population through gerontological coursework at the undergraduate level. The introductory course is based on Cognitive Behavioral theory (CBT) which emphasizes to unlearn false concepts. Therefore, the class exposes students to positive aging images in contemporary films and literature demonstrating concepts such as successful aging, retirement, gender issues, and aging as minorities, etc. Students review their perceptions of the aging population at the beginning and end of the semester, presenting five words that best describe the aging images. The variances of occurrence of negative to positive descriptions are analyzed as an evaluation of the class. The class also stimulates civic responsibilities of the students toward the aging population with concepts such as generational equities by conducting team-based discussions. The results report increased positive words and improved attitudes on in-class team projects and post-class evaluations. The implication of the course outcomes is that discussing and exposing the positive images, and justifying typical aging-related behaviors significantly improves students’ attitudes toward the aging population, and may encourage undergraduate students to select an aging profession. Qualitative evaluation of the course will be conducted in future semesters.

scholarly journals The Impact of Curriculum and Instructional Choices on Undergraduate Students in Introductory Geology

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Christopher Roemmele
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Pedagogical Choices ◽  
Introductory Geology ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Curriculum Topics

This research investigated the impact of an introductory geology class on undergraduate students' attitudes toward and conceptual understanding of geology. The purpose was to identify students' geologic blindness, a construct of disinterest, disdain, and unawareness of geology, geologic processes, and their relationship to humans, by assessing students’ views on curricular and pedagogical choices. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was conducted. The participants consisted of 289 students enrolled over two semesters in an introductory geology class for non-majors. Specific to content and instruction, students found the format of rock and mineral labs and exams difficult and in need of change. They expressed positive attitudes about the hands-on, collaborative nature of these labs, and observation skills to perform them. Curriculum topics judged more interesting were deemed less difficult to understand, and vice versa, and that there was general understanding of geology’s broader themes of tectonics and time. Open-ended responses from participants, and interviews with key informants provided further evidence for these results. Students indicated that explicit instruction on the topic relevance, cross-topic connections, and on-going assessment and the use of a variety of visualizations and collaborative work would help to improve understanding and attitudes. The results provide insight into ways to improve introductory geology courses by addressing geologic blindness.

Facilitating Age-Conscious Student Development through Lecture-Based Courses on Aging

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Russell ◽  
Éric R. Thériault ◽  
Amber Colibaba
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Student Development ◽  
Attitude Change ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Personal Connection ◽  
Students Attitudes

Abstract Ageism is pervasive and socially normalized, and population aging has created a need to understand how views of aging and of older people, typically considered to be people over the age of 65, can be improved. This study sought to understand how undergraduate students’ attitudes towards older adults and the aging process may be influenced after completing a typical, lecture-based undergraduate course on aging that lacked service-learning components. Two undergraduate student cohorts (n = 40) at two Canadian universities participated in semi-structured focus groups/interviews, describing how the course may have impacted their perceptions of the aging process and of older adults. An iterative collaborative qualitative analysis demonstrated that course content stimulated a deeper understanding of the aging process, prompting a reduction in and increased awareness of ageism, and enhanced personal connection with aging, ultimately facilitating the development of an age-conscious student. Lecture-based courses focused on aging may be sufficient to facilitate positive attitude change among undergraduate students towards older adults and the aging process.

Attitudes of undergraduate students towards persons with disabilities; the role of the need for social approval

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Kowalska ◽  
Justyna Winnicka
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Social Approval ◽  
Social Desirability Scale ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Explicit Attitudes ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The purpose of this study was a diagnosis of the attitudes of students of Warsaw universities towards people with disabilities and the variables which impacted on these attitudes. Additionally, we examined the relationship between the need for social approval and explicit attitudes towards people with disabilities. The study focused on two components of attitudes: behavioural (measured by preferable social distance - SDSB) and cognitive (tested with a semantic differential scale - SDSO). 318 students completed a survey including a demographic sheet, a social desirability scale, the SDSB and SDSO. The results indicate that students expressed positive attitudes towards people with disabilities. The impact of such variables as gender, the type of disability and the need for social approval was registered and were differentiated in regard to components of attitudes. The results are discussed with reference to earlier research and cues for further studies are suggested.

An Evaluation of a Service-Learning Model for Criminal Justice Undergraduate Students

2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Beth Hirschinger-Blank ◽  
Lori Simons ◽  
Alexandra Kenyon
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Intellectual Development ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Political Awareness ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Service Projects ◽  
Students Attitudes

A triangulation mixed-methods design was used to measure differences in service-learning outcomes for 32 students enrolled in criminal justice courses during the academic years 2003 (n = 16) and 2005 (n = 16). Results show that service-learners increase their political awareness and course value but experience a decrease in problem-solving skills and preference for short-term and long-term participation in service projects over the course of the semester. Results further indicate that service-learning impacts the majority of students' attitudes regarding diversity, as well as their interpersonal, personal, and intellectual development.

Incorporating Diversity in Marketing Education: A Framework for Including All People in the Teaching and Learning Process

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reynaldo G. Rivera ◽  
Angel Arrese ◽  
Charo Sádaba ◽  
Luis Casado
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Learning Potential ◽  
Marketing Manager ◽  
Marketing Education ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Students Attitudes

The management of diversity and inclusion is a major challenge for businesses in developing inclusive products and marketing strategies focused on people with disabilities. Universities can foster positive attitudes toward inclusiveness if they facilitate student recognition of differences as assets and enable them to appreciate the creation of communities where different individuals are valued. This study analyzes the experience of an innovative undergraduate seminar on inclusive marketing based on social learning theory. Designed and conducted by a former marketing manager with visual impairment, together with university scholars, the course develops the learning potential of inclusive marketing strategies and tactics through role-playing exercises and case studies. By presenting the inclusive marketing seminar theoretical framework, syllabus, and impact on students’ attitudes, this research analyzes an approach to training future marketing professionals and leaders to understand people with disabilities as important stakeholders and provides key insights for universities, companies, and governments in the application of inclusive marketing and communication strategies.

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