Results of Immersion Service Learning Activism With Peers Anticipated and Surprising

Type Journal Article - The Counseling Psychologist
Title Results of Immersion Service Learning Activism With Peers Anticipated and Surprising
Author(s)
Volume 42
Issue 8
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2014
Page numbers 1215-1246
URL http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria_Aleksandrova-Howell/publication/260267883_Results_of_cultu​ral_immersion_service_learning_activism_with_peers_Anticipated_and_surprising/links/54922b690cf2484a​3f3e0a9b.pdf
Abstract
Despite the emphasis on multicultural counseling competence and social justice in counseling psychology, the mechanisms behind building skills related to effective work remain elusive. This qualitative study explored the experiences of student-participants during a service learning course based on social justice principles in Belize. The researchers sought to inform how a non-traditional teaching methodology—immersion service learning activism—might affect these students’ development. The researchers used Consensual Qualitative Research to analyze interviews and journals through a collaborative and reflective process. Eleven domains emerged from the analysis. Results confirmed past research related to immersion and service learning, including personal and professional development and changes in diversity attitudes. There were also unanticipated themes related to complex interpersonal and group dynamics. These findings demonstrate the influence of immersion, service learning, and group process in intra- as well as interpersonal development and skill building related to cultural competency and social justice activism.

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