Using Service Learning to Promote Community Financial Health

16 Pages Posted: 7 Nov 2014

See all articles by Deanne Butchey

Deanne Butchey

Florida International University

Dasaratha V. Rama

Florida International University (FIU)

Date Written: November 28, 2013

Abstract

Service Learning is a pedagogy that integrates curriculum objectives with learning outcomes while producing mutually beneficial opportunities for advancing communities. While the impact is well recognized, there is a perception that a steep learning curve exists both for the students and faculty. To help ease the time commitments of Faculty engaged in this activity we present a model and apply a tool, the AT-EASE GPS, to a service learning project. The GPS analogy reflects the use of the tool to understand the current environment in which individuals and their community co-exist and to help both constituents find a path to become comfortable (or AT-EASE). The tool’s effectiveness in identifying a guide for implementing a service learning project is assessed by student course enrollment, course evaluation and community feedback. Based on our experience, we recommend a six-phase sequential description of the AT-EASE process: Accessing, Trying, Exploring, Applying, Seeking, and Embedding. The framework presented here is integrated into an online undergraduate-level course required of finance majors.

Keywords: Project Management, Service Learning, Financial Literacy

JEL Classification: M1

Suggested Citation

Butchey, Deanne and Rama, Dasaratha, Using Service Learning to Promote Community Financial Health (November 28, 2013). Academy of Business Research Journal, Vol. IV, 2013, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2519745

Deanne Butchey (Contact Author)

Florida International University ( email )

Miami, FL 33199
United States
305 348-2680 (Phone)
305 348-4245 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://cba.fiu.edu/finance/butcheyd

Dasaratha Rama

Florida International University (FIU) ( email )

University Park
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199
United States

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
52
Abstract Views
1,171
Rank
775,718
PlumX Metrics