An Experiment of Community-Based Learning Effects on Civic Participation
by Taedong Lee, Jungbae An, Hyodong Sohn, Yonsei University & In Tae Yoo, Chonbuk National University
How does community-based learning (CBL) influence student attitudes toward civic participation? One of CBL’s primary aims is to improve college student civic participation. As yet, however, little is known about the educational effects of CBL classes on student community and political participation. Using a quasi pre–post experiment with experimental and control groups, we found that civic participation is more likely to increase in students taking CBL classes as students are more willing to participate in community activities such as organizing student groups and volunteering at local organizations. Statistical analyses suggested that students in CBL classes are more likely to engage in the political process by petitioning local authorities than by participating in the voting process. Additionally, the analyses indicated that students are more likely to actively participate in local organizations voluntarily and that they are more likely to organize student groups to address local issues. We therefore conclude that designing CBL classes that emphasize tangible local issues with hands-on experience could facilitate students’ attitudes toward political and community participation.
This Educate-JPSE collaboration brings together articles published in the Journal of Political Science Education that discuss classroom approaches related to teaching about race, racism, social justice and civic action. Our reading list offers a range of materials – from syllabi, reading lists to active learning assignments – that discuss classroom practices through the lens of identity, gender and power relations. It includes a model for professors who are interested in partnering with local community activists to design civically engaged courses, with specific examples covering research and organizing around affordable housing issues.
The Journal of Political Science Education is an intellectually rigorous, path-breaking, agenda-setting journal that publishes the highest quality scholarship on teaching and pedagogical issues in political science. The journal aims to represent the full range of questions, issues and approaches regarding political science education, including teaching-related issues, methods and techniques, learning/teaching activities and devices, educational assessment in political science, graduate education, and curriculum development.
