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Dunleavy K.1, Beckwith J.1, Lim M.1, McKinney C.1, Diaz K.1
1University of Florida, Physical Therapy, Gainesville, United States
Background: The benefits of international service learning for physical therapy students have been well described, however there is a need to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of projects. In order for students to develop quality improvement and evaluation skills, active involvement of students in the development of overall project evaluation instruments is an option to promote contextual learning.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe a method for physical therapy student contextual learning using the development of a quality improvement instrument for international service learning.
Methods: Final year students participated in a continuing education course in Managua, Nicaragua. Four DPT students created, refined, and pilot tested a survey to help assess outcomes. Prior to the trip, students interviewed alumni, analyzed responses and developed initial survey questions. After the trip, the survey was piloted and survey structure, questions, and emphasis analyzed. Three faculty, four students involved in the creation of the survey, and four additional students provided feedback. Two further rounds of review and group discussion resulted in a refined survey. Students provided commentary on their learning from involvement in the process.
Results: In addition to learning about educational evaluation, there was evidence of understanding the importance of sustainability and educational planning. The process resulted in a product to enhance rigorous evaluation of future educational courses and the overall impact of service learning.
Conclusion(s): The active involvement of students in developing an educational outcome instrument is a valuable model for international service learning. Additional insights would be gained from the application of this model to future student service learning projects.
Implications: This method may be useful for faculty considering options to introduce students to the importance of educational outcome evaluation, as well as sustainability of international projects.
Funding acknowledgements: No funding was received for the completion of this project.
Topic: Education: methods of teaching & learning
Ethics approval: Ethics approval was not required for the completion of this project.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
