Service learning a tool for promoting cultural sensitivity and civic engagement
Dympna Casey (NUI Galway), Kathy Murphy (NUI Galway), Deirdre Van Der Putten (NUI Galway)
Abstract
Within Ireland there has been a significant change in the demographic profile of the population. Irish nurses therefore need to develop cultural understanding in order to provide culturally sensitive care to patients and families. Preparing nursing students to appropriately care for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds is an important element of nurse education programmes and such programmes have the greatest potential to contribute to and enhance nursing/midwifery practice in Ireland. One method of encouraging cultural sensitivity and civic engagement is through the innovative process of service learning. Service learning is a powerful teaching strategy that enables students to make meaningful connections between classroom theory and real life experiences (Callister and Hobbins-Garbett 2000).
With this in mind in 2003 an elective module for students undertaking the Bachelor of Nursing Science programme incorporating a service learning placement in a different culture was developed at the National University of Ireland, Galway. This presentation will focus on the background to the development of this module, the teaching methods and assessment strategy used as well as outlining some of the difficulties encountered to date and how the programme has been modified over the years to overcome some of these difficulties. Finally, an overview of students' experiences of their service learning practice as well as the service learning communities’ perceptions and experiences of having students complete their service learning placement in their communities will be provided.
The indications are that service learning as a pedagogical tool has the potential to contribute and improve nursing/midwifery practice and enhance civic engagement. Overall, we believe that a reciprocal relationship between the service learning communities and the module team has developed. While the students who participate in this service learning experience bring back important knowledge, skills and understanding to the Irish Health system, the service learning communities also report benefits.
