Examination of a Post-Disaster Recovery Service-Learning Course

9 pages•Published: June 9, 2021

Abstract

The number of catastrophic natural disasters is on the rise. Also escalating is the movement for universities to include high-impact educational practices. This case study explores the recent development of a course in a construction management undergraduate program and the efficacy of student learning from such. The course interweaves the complex disaster recovery process and a high-impact experiential learning opportunity through an extended “Study Beyond” short-term trip. The study provides a detailed account of the development and execution of the course for three consecutive semesters. Additionally, the study encapsulates multiple data points from students and faculty to assess the efficacy of such a uniquely developed course. The results indicate the students ranked serving others, the hands-on components, and working as a member of the collaborative team as the top three strengths of the course. Findings from the student learning assessments included acquiring and strengthening vital skills the industry desires of construction managers including time management, communication skills, and conflict resolution. Dissemination of this case study may be useful in starting similar courses at other institutions.

Keyphrases: community engagement, construction education, disaster recovery, experiential learning, service learning

In: Tom Leathem, Anthony Perrenoud and Wesley Collins (editors). ASC 2021. 57th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 2, pages 460-468.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/vXpm
	https://doi.org/10.29007/scv8