scholarly journals Service learning as community development? Local resident perspectives of community-engaged educational travel

Author(s):  
Noel B. Habashy ◽  
Carter A. Hunt

There is strong body of literature exploring community member and resident perspectiveson tourism that has emerged from numerous locations across the globe. Yet, virtuallynone of this writing explores the role of repeat community-engaged service learning withlocal communities. What theory does exist on the topic indicates that increased rates ofcommunity member participation yield more positive viewpoints on community-programpartnerships. Engagement in this form of tourism development in communities may havean influence on participation in the community institutions that have the most ability toinfluence local development outcomes. This qualitative, ethnographic study fills this gapin the literature by analyzing community members’ emic perspectives of a recurringeducational service learning program to a lesser-developed region of Costa Rica.Surprisingly, community residents do not view educational service learning as a form oftourism, though they do see it as valuable for setting the stage for desired tourismdevelopment in the future. Findings also indicate community members’ involvement inkey institutions makes it more likely that they perceive the impact of students’ in thecommunity positively. As the first paper to analyze educational service-learning travelfrom a community development and resident perspective, this work will provide avaluable theoretical contribution relevant to those engaged in this form of travel acrossthe Global South.

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-85
Author(s):  
Sabina Villón Perero ◽  
Brusela Vásquez Farfán ◽  
Tannia Aguirre Suárez

Las actividades turísticas, en especial los servicios de alojamiento y restauración han mantenido una importante participación en la economía del Ecuador durante los últimos años, a partir de esta premisa se consideró relevante realizar el presente estudio que consiste en el análisis de la evolución del sector en mención y su contribución al desarrollo económico de la comuna Ayangue ubicada en la provincia de Santa Elena. Para ejecutar la investigación de campo se tomó una muestra de establecimientos dedicados a las mencionadas actividades, así como también se realizó un estudio socioeconómico mediante la aplicación de  encuestas y entrevistas las mismas que permitieron  obtener información cualitativa y cuantitativa, cuyos resultados evidenciaron cómo ha  evolucionado este sector y el impacto que ha generado en el desarrollo de la comunidad a través del tiempo, los mismos que reflejaron el incentivo de emprendimientos, la  generación de plazas de trabajo y el mejoramiento del nivel económico y social de los comuneros.  AbstractTourist activities, specially Accommodation and provision of food and beverages services, have had an important participation in the economy of Ecuador in the last years, based on this premise it was considered relevant to carry out the present study, which is an analysis of the sector in question and their contribution to economic development of the Ayangue Commune, in Province of Santa Elena. For perform field investigations, it took a sample of establishments and was performed a socio-economic study, using surveys and interviews, which they allowed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information, whose results showed the evolution of this sector and the impact generated in the community development through time, resulting incentive enterprises, generating jobs and improving the economic and social level of the community members. 


2020 ◽  
pp. 002190962096738
Author(s):  
Sam A. Kasimba ◽  
Päivi Lujala

Mining companies increasingly adopt trusts, foundations, and funds as part of their efforts to obtain and maintain a social license to operate and corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies for community development. Using qualitative methodology, this article examined host communities’ perceptions of two mining company-financed trust funds in Ghana. The interviews revealed that although the community members considered some aspects of the trust funds positively, the trust funds’ overall objectives to promote meaningful participation of local community members and contribute to local development had not been met. Inadequate planning and needs assessments, and inflexibility in externally framed CSR practices that were unfavorable to the operational contexts, were among the key factors undermining the success of the trust funds.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christelle Palpacuer-Lee ◽  
Jessie Hutchison Curtis

Now more than ever, teachers of world languages are encouraged to become intercultural mediators in their communities and classrooms. This study describes the impact of an innovative community-based teacher education program for developing participants' interculturality. Building on narrative methods of investigation, we explore the potential of community-based service-learning as a social space in which participants learn to recognize and mediate worldviews. The data come primarily from field observations and pre-service teachers’ journaled reflections. We illustrate our findings through a series of narratives that serve as a frame for locating cultural recognition and learning. 


Author(s):  
Henny Breen ◽  
Melissa Robinson

AbstractAim To evaluate the impact of service learning through academic partnerships Background Although there is an abundance of literature regarding service learning as a pedagogical strategy for teaching pre-licensure students, there is a gap in the literature in regarding Associate Degree nurses returning to school to earn a bachelor’s degree. Method A qualitative study which included student assignments and interviews, written feedback and focus groups with staff from community organizations was used to evaluate the Service-Learning Program. Results Five primary themes emerged from the data which included a deeper understanding of vulnerable populations, increased knowledge of challenges in access to care, improved leadership skills, improved awareness of community resources, and impact on nursing practice. Conclusion Community organizations recognized the expertise of the RN to BSN students and benefited from their work and at the same time, students recognized their expertise and leadership in ways they had not done before.


2016 ◽  
pp. 454-473
Author(s):  
Denise Uehara ◽  
Vidalino Raatior

This article describes how service learning experiences reflected multiple purposes within a larger framework where heritage and English languages intersect. We share results of an inquiry-based program evaluation focused on language, identity formation and experiences related to academic, social and professional interactions. Through the UH Hilo service-learning experience, students enhanced their cultural, linguistic and interpersonal skills while also providing needed services to placement organizations. Pacific Islander heritage language speakers attending an American university provide a critical lens into the complexities of language, culture, and identity when navigating higher education in a “foreign” setting. The concept of “other” applied to the increasing numbers of ESL speakers across the nation serves as a reminder for institutions of higher education to offer students helpful and supportive spaces. We share the benefits of a paid internship for both employer and intern; the challenges of heritage language influences in an English language setting; and the impact of service learning.


2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Grain ◽  
Tonny Katumba ◽  
Dennis Kirumira ◽  
Rosemary Nakasiita ◽  
Saudah Nakayenga ◽  
...  

Background: The social justice goals of service-learning programs are often contingent upon strong relationships with host community members. Given this common narrative, it is necessary to extend our understanding of relationships in international service-learning (ISL), particularly as they are conceptualized by host community members. Purpose: This study engaged seven Ugandan coresearchers in a participatory project to examine the community impacts of a long-term ISL program facilitated by the University of British Columbia (UBC) and based in Kitengesa, Uganda. Methodology/Approach: Thematic analysis of photovoice data from photos, interviews, and focus groups reveals key impacts that are premised on friendships, educational relationships, and relationships for social change. Findings/Conclusions: The article illustrates a host community conceptualization of ISL that positions relationships not as a precursor to ISL done well, but as the success in itself. Extending from this study is a critical discussion of the nuanced, social justice–oriented tensions that arise in the participatory research and co-analysis process. Implications: Institutions often assess the impact of ISL and other experiential education programs in terms of student learning, but findings suggest that social justice goals may be better achieved through an emphasis on relationships and knowledge as conceptualized by host community members.


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