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Service learning in the medical curriculum: developing and evaluating an elective experience
Carol L Elam1, Marlene J Sauer, Terry D Stratton
1Office of Academic Affairs, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA. clelam1@uky.edu
Teaching and Learning in Medicine
|July 12, 2003
Summary
Medical schools can effectively integrate service learning by linking electives to existing courses. This approach fosters student community engagement and achieves educational objectives, ensuring program continuation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Community Engagement
- Service Learning Pedagogy
Background:
- Medical educators seek methods to enhance student service commitments and community interaction.
- Service learning, a pedagogy connecting community service with academics, is explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate an experiential service learning elective at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
- To assess the effectiveness of linking a service learning elective with a behavioral science course.
Main Methods:
- An experiential service learning elective was developed, involving students in community asset-needs assessments and project design.
- The elective was integrated with a behavioral science course, providing biopsychosocial instruction.
- Data were collected over two years using surveys, interviews, reflection questionnaires, and performance/course evaluations.
Main Results:
- Multiple data collection methods provided comprehensive insights into student, faculty, and community partner perspectives.
- Student motivations, observations, and assessments were documented.
- Faculty preceptor and community agency partner feedback was gathered.
Conclusions:
- Integrating a service learning elective with a pre-existing course proved successful.
- The program effectively met its intended objectives.
- The service learning elective will be continued based on its positive outcomes.