Valuing student and community voices in the university: action research as a framework for community service-learning

Erin Leigh O'Connor; Judith E Smith; Philip R Crane; Dean Brough; Natasha Shaw; Jill M Franz; Ingrid Larkin

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Valuing student and community voices in the university: action research as a framework for community service-learning

Journal article

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Valuing student and community voices in the university: action research as a framework for community service-learning

Erin Leigh O'Connor, Judith E Smith, Philip R Crane, Dean Brough, Natasha Shaw, Jill M Franz and Ingrid Larkin

Action Learning and Action Research Journal, Vol.18(2), pp.123-159

2013

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Abstract

community development

psychology of learning

academic achievement

The Community Service-learning Lab (the Lab) was initiated as a university-wide service-learning experience at an Australian university. The Lab engages students, academics, and key community organisations in interdisciplinary action research projects to support student learning and to explore complex and ongoing problems nominated by the community partners. The current study uses feedback from the first offering of the Lab and focuses on exploring student experiences of the service learning project using an action research framework. Student reflections on this experience have revealed some positive outcomes of the Lab such as an appreciation for positive and strengths-based change. These outcomes are corroborated by collected reflections from community partners and academics. The students also identified challenges balancing the requirements for assessment and their goals to serve the community partner's needs. This feedback has provided vital information for the academic team, highlighting the difficulties in balancing the agenda of the academic framework and the desire to give students authentic experiences.

Details

Title: Valuing student and community voices in the university: action research as a framework for community service-learning
Authors: Erin Leigh O'Connor (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Judith E Smith (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Philip R Crane (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Dean Brough (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Natasha Shaw (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Jill M Franz (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Ingrid Larkin (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Action Learning and Action Research Journal, Vol.18(2), pp.123-159
Publisher: Action Learning Action Research Association Inc.
Date published: 2013
ISSN: 1326-964X
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450521902621
Output Type: Journal article

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