ERIC Number: EJ1452386
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jan
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1541-3446
EISSN: EISSN-1552-7840
Available Date: N/A
Cross-Cultural Course and Service-Learning Study-Away: A Means to Transformative Learning
Debra A. Giambo; Luis E. Garrido
Journal of Transformative Education, v23 n1 p98-118 2025
Course-based, service-learning, study-away opportunities for university students can result in transformational learning for students. Within the context of Mezirow's transformative learning theory (2008), this study explored university students' perceptions of a course-based, service-learning, study-away experience in a culture greatly different from their own. Students participated in a semester-long course with a spring break service-learning study-away experience in the Zuni Pueblo, an indigenous community in New Mexico. Data included individual and group reflections during and after the trip as well as post-graduation (i.e., 3.5-4.5 years after the course). Student reflections indicate that course-based, service-learning, study-away experiences for university students, especially one that provides cross-cultural experiences, can result in transformative learning that may have lasting personal and professional effects. The results of this project may be used by faculty and administrators in academia to provide creative, comprehensive, and transformational intercultural opportunities for students, helping to create leaders in their fields.
Descriptors: Service Learning, Cross Cultural Training, Courses, Transformative Learning, College Students, Student Attitudes, Indigenous Populations, American Indians, Field Trips, Universities, Educational Experience, American Indian Studies, Student Characteristics, Indigenous Knowledge, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Controversial Issues (Course Content), Intention, Curriculum
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Mexico
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A