Undergraduate Students' Experiences of a Community-Engaged Learning Course: A Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Education
• Community Engagement
• Higher Education Pedagogy

Background:

• Undergraduate student engagement is crucial for enhancing educational quality.
• Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) courses foster engagement by connecting students with community partners to address real-world issues.
• CEL involves applying academic knowledge to practical challenges through collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the link between student learning outcomes and attitudes towards CEL courses.
• To assess changes in student learning outcomes before and after participating in a CEL course.
• To explore the experiences of students in their initial CEL course.

Main Methods:

• Data collection involved pre- and post-course surveys and focus groups.
• Survey data were analyzed using correlation and dependent t-tests.
• Inductive content analysis was used for focus group data.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between positive attitudes towards CEL and related student learning outcomes.
• Students demonstrated statistically significant growth in achievement and learning after completing a CEL course.
• Students reported benefits including community impact, alignment with learning styles, and skill enhancement.

Conclusions:

• CEL courses effectively boost student motivation, academic achievement, and skill development.
• These courses prepare undergraduates for future career demands by fostering practical experience.
• CEL positively impacts student learning and attitudes, contributing to a more engaged educational experience.