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Does service-learning increase cultural competency, critical thinking, and civic engagement?
Kathleen M Nokes1, Donna M Nickitas, Robin Keida
1Hunter College, City University of New York, Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, 425 East 25 Street, Box 874, New York, NY 10010, USA. knokes@hunter.cuny.edu
The Journal of Nursing Education
|February 22, 2005
Summary
A 15-hour service-learning intervention for nursing students showed mixed results. While civic engagement increased, critical thinking and cultural competence scores significantly decreased after the program.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Community Health
- Social Determinants of Health
Background:
- Effective community engagement requires nursing students to understand service-learning principles and democratic participation skills.
- Preparing nursing students for diverse community partnerships is crucial for holistic healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and refine a 15-hour service-learning intervention for nursing students.
- To evaluate the intervention's impact on nursing students' critical thinking, cultural competence, and civic engagement.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 14 nursing students was conducted.
- Participants engaged in a 15-hour service-learning intervention.
- Paired t tests were used to analyze pre- and post-intervention scores on critical thinking, cultural competence, and civic engagement.
Main Results:
- Critical thinking scores significantly decreased (p = .04), particularly self-confidence (p = .039).
- Cultural competence scores significantly decreased (p = .000).
- Civic engagement scores significantly increased (p = .004).
Conclusions:
- The service-learning intervention positively impacted civic engagement among nursing students.
- Further research is needed to understand the observed decreases in critical thinking and cultural competence.
- Refinements to the intervention may be necessary to enhance critical thinking and cultural competence development.