Leaving the Lectures Behind

Using Community-Engaged Learning in Research Methods Classes to Teach about Sustainability

Bibliographic Data

ID11062199
AuthorsMehmet Soyer (0000-0001-9043-3448, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA, corresponding author), Gina McCrackin (Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA), Sebahattin Ziyanak (0000-0002-5344-8437, University of Texas-Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA), Jennifer E Givens (0000-0003-3103-9795, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA), Vonda Jump (Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA), V K Jump (Utah State University), Jessica Schad (Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA)
Year2023
Volume51
Issue2
Pages151-160
Publication date2023-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTeaching Sociology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0092-055X • E-ISSN: 1939-862X
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0092055x221114688
OpenAlexW4288758277
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited16

This article explores the outcomes of using community-engaged learning in a sustainability-focused social sciences research course titled Methods of Social Research. The integrated components of the course were designed to teach students about the research process while addressing sustainability issues at Utah State University. Throughout the course, students learned how to collect, analyze, and interpret data; work in research teams; write a grant; and write and present a final research paper. Student sustainability surveys and the final course evaluation were used to analyze student learning outcomes. We found that students demonstrated increased confidence in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and an improved effectiveness and enjoyment in working in teams toward a final product. Students also exhibited their knowledge of small- and large-scale sustainability challenges as well as a decisiveness in answering questions related to sustainability. These outcomes resulted in heightened student self-efficacy and critical thinking skills when performing research and engaging with issues related to sustainability

Active learning (machine learning · Critical thinking · Mathematics education · Pedagogy · Process (computing · Product (mathematics · Sociology · Sustainability · Work (physics · Computer Science · Diverse Educational Innovations Studies · Engineering · Evaluation of Teaching Practices · Psychology · Service-Learning and Community Engagement

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