Developing intercultural competence among students in family science: The importance of service learning experiences

• Published date: 01 December 2022
• Author: Jacquelyn D. Wiersma‐Mosley,M. E. Betsy Garrison
• Date: 01 December 2022
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12766

RESEARCH

Developing intercultural competence among students

in family science: The importance of service learning

experiences

Jacquelyn D. Wiersma-Mosley|M. E. Betsy Garrison

School of Human Environmental Sciences,

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

Correspondence Jacquelyn D. Wiersma-

Mosley, 987 West Maple Street, HOEC

118, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

72701, USA.

Email: jwiersma@uark.edu

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop inter-

cultural competence among Family Science undergraduate

students through high-impact experiences.

Background: Service learning (SL) is a form of high-impact

experimental education that promotes learning and devel-

opment by engaging students in real-world activities that

address both individual and community needs.

Methods: Participants were 82 undergraduates enrolled in

two similar Family Science diversity courses at a mid-

South university in the United States. Curriculum for both

courses were identical, except one group of students partic-

ipated in SL at one of five community agencies: boys/girls

club, community center working with children, center for

adults with disabilities, a primarily Hispanic middle

school, or a homeless shelter. Students in both courses

completed pre- and post-assessments using the Inter-

cultural Development Inventory to measure intercultural

competence.

Results: Students without SL opportunities did not signifi-

cantly increase in intercultural competence whereas stu-

dents who participated with SL increased significantly in

their intercultural competence.

Conclusion: It is imperative that Family Science continue

to emphasize SL because meaningful interactions with

community partnerships have been shown to provide cul-

turally relevant education and deep experiential learning

opportunities for students.

Implications: As a result, Family Science students will

more easily transition to their chosen professions and will

be better prepared to increase intercultural competency

and to work toward dismantling racism and promoting

social justice for all.

Received: 14 July 2021Revised: 4 May 2022Accepted: 9 August 2022

DOI: 10.1111/fare.12766

© 2022 National Council on Family Relations.

2070 Family Relations. 2022;71:2070–2083.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fare