High-Impact Civic Engagement: Outcomes of Community-Based Research in Technical Writing Courses

Abstract

This article reports on the first stage of a mixed-methods community-based research project involving residents of a socioeconomically challenged neighborhood in Baltimore City, Richnor Springs, and service-learning students in technical and professional communication courses at Loyola University Maryland (Loyola). To measure outcomes, we analyzed student surveys from 80 respondents and critical reflections from two students. We also analyzed interviews from two students and two community members. Findings indicate that there were no statistical mean differences in the educational experiences between service-learning and nonservice-learning students; however, there were significant mean differences in transformational experiences. Findings also indicate that community members responded positively and that stakeholders valued the personal relationships that developed.

Collaborating Successfully with Community Partners and Clients in Online Service-Learning Classes

“…Service-learning, "a form of experiential education" (Jacoby, 2015, pp. 1-2) can be considered a high-impact educational practice (AAC&U, 2007;Brizee et al, 2019;Dumlao Kuh, 2013, pp. 19-34).…”

Examining Multimodal Community-Engaged Projects for Technical and Professional Communication: Motivation, Design, Technology, and Impact

“…They borrowed Scott’s (2004) critique of “hyperpragmatism” in student professional development, which can cause overlooking of critical and social concerns in community partnerships. In some ways, Brizee et al’s (2020) longitudinal study helped illuminate the effects of service-learning on a long-term partnership––“students and community members were stressed by the time-consuming effort required to complete [the] projects” (p. 248). At the same time, Brizee (2020) also documented the challenges facing the instructors who facilitate community-engaged projects, stating that “stakes are high when funding, tenure, and promotion may be jeopardized if community work flops” (p. 362).…”