An Exploratory Study of the Awareness and Perceptions that Child Life Students Have Regarding Global Service Learning in International Settings

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Aspen R. S. Yordy (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Global service learning (GSL) opportunities in international settings promote potential benefits for students in health-related disciplines. Child life specialists primarily work in pediatric healthcare settings to provide psychosocial care to enhance developmentally supportive family centered care. These services are expanding to international contexts , thus allowing child life students to learn and serve internationally. Currently , no empirical research exists regarding the influence of GSL experiences in international settings on child life students. Using experiential learning theory and cultural competency theory as a framework , the present study used an online survey to explore the awareness and perceptions that child life students have with regard to international GSL opportunities. Additionally , using the Global Engagement Survey , the study examined child life students' cultural competencies. Of the 189 respondents from universities across the U.S. , 74 participants had participated in an international learning and/or service experience and 115 had not. Analyses including frequencies , one-way between groups ANOVAs , independent sample t-tests , Pearson product-moment correlations , and chi-square tests revealed that child life students who had previously participated in an international learning and/or service experience were significantly more aware of GSL opportunities , had significantly more positive perceptions toward GSL experiences , and had significantly greater cultural competency scores than those who had not. Additionally , a large majority (n = 176) of the child life students indicated that they had future intentions of serving internationally. Implications of the study's findings for teaching , practicing , and research include increasing the promotion of GSL in university courses , more effective preparation for GSL opportunities , and participating in training to work more appropriately with interpreters.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2018

Keywords

global service leaning (GSL), child life students, awareness, perceptions, cultural competence

Subjects

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