Service LearningA Catalyst for Cultural Competence

Dr. Narketta Sparkman-Key, HS-BCP

Big Idea

We can purposefully utilize international service

learning opportunities to develop cultural

competence.

ObjectivesEnhance participants understanding of service

learningDefine the stages of cultural competence

and highlight it as a method of inclusivity Identify the role of international service learning

in developing cultural competence Identify the role of educators in creating

culturally competent pedagogy through international service learning

A model for international service learning

Framing

Service Learning

Combination of service to the community and student learning

Meets a community needFosters civic responsibilityCoordinated by educational institution Integrated into and enhances academic

curriculum

National and Community Service Trust Act (1993)

Service Learning Model

P.A.R.E. Model (most common) Preparation Action Reflection Evaluation

University of Maryland (1999)

What is missing from this definition?

Cultural Competence

“A process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and

effectively to people of all cultures…races, …religions and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes,

affirms, and values their [inherent] worth [and dignity]”  (NASW, 2001).

Cultural Competence is……Considers power dynamics

Who has control to influence, dominate and access resources

Considers privilege When one group has something of value that is denied to

others

Recognizes relationships between power, privilege and oppression “A relationship in which the dominant [privileged] group

benefits from the systemic abuse, exploitation, and injustice directed at a subordinate group” (Ore, 2014).

What role does service learning play in our

understanding of cultural competence?

How can we use service learning as a vehicle to

becoming more culturally competent?

Culturally Competent Pedagogy

“Empowers students intellectually, socially, emotionally, and politically by using cultural referents to impart knowledge, skills, and attitudes” (Ladson-Billings, 1995, p. 18).

Also called culturally relevant pedagogy, cultural responsiveness, cultural congruence, and cultural appropriateness (Saint-Hilaire, 2014).  

Model for International Service Learning

Cultural Competence

Preparation

Immersion

In Country Education

Service Activity

• Community Need

Processing

Reflection

Evaluation

Testimonial “While working with the girls at the Women’s Center

it was very important to be aware of myself in order to not offend as well as in order to try to understand them better. There were many factors that made myself different from these girls such as culture, socioeconomic status, as well as race and ethnicity.”

My time during study abroad helped to develop my professional skills in counseling and helped me enlarge my world through increased cultural competency.

Our trips to the local areas, exploring the food, spirits and dance enlightened us of another world.

Concluding ThoughtsService Learning is a catalyst to becoming more

culturally competentExpanded definition of service learning which includes

cultural competenceEducators are change agents in facilitating

opportunities for students to become culturally competent

Model presented is preliminary but has developed over the past three years to foster cultural competence development

Contactnsparkma@odu.eduwww.thedrkey.com

Reference

Cross, T. L., Bazron, B. J., Dennis, K. W., & Isaacs, M. R. (1989). Towards a culturally competent system of care. CASSP Technical Assistance Center, Georgetown University Child Development Center, Washington, D. C.Furrey, M. (2007). Cultural proficiency continuum [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from: http://www.ccps.org/District/Department/25-Social-Studies/1330-Cultural-Profciency.htmlJohnson, A. G. (2006). Privilege, Power, and Difference (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.Ladson-Billings, G. (1995).  Toward a theory of culturally relevant pedagogy.  American Educational Journal, 32,465-491National Association of Social Work  (2001) Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice.Washington, DC: Author.National Education Association. (n. d.). Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/. Ore, T. E. (2014).  Social construction of difference and inequality: Race, class, gender, and sexuality (6th ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill. Saint-Hilaire, L. (2014). So, how do I teach them? Understanding multicultural education and culturally relevant pedagogy.  Reflective Practice, 15, 592-602.Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (n.d.) Retrieved from www.samsha.gov