TY - JOUR
T1 - Fostering integration among students with different backgrounds using an orthotic community service program
AU - Beygi, Babak Hassan
AU - Wang, Kubert Tianghang
AU - Chan, Hiu Lam
AU - Wu, Hui Dong
AU - Hung, Percy Ho Tim
AU - So, Mike Ka Pui
AU - Kwong, Theresa
AU - Wong, Man Sang
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
PY - 2023/8
Y1 - 2023/8
N2 - BACKGROUND: In this globalization era, institutions are developing strategies including international service-learning pedagogies to integrate global perspectives and dimensions into the learning and teaching processes to develop students' capacity in intercultural competence. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the students' intercultural learning outcome through provision of orthotic community service to the less-privileged children. METHODS: A Hong Kong-based university collaborated with 2 American universities to conduct an orthotic community service program for the children with cerebral palsy in mainland China. In the process of service delivery, the students with different backgrounds worked closely and students' professional knowledge, intercultural understanding, and communication skills were evaluated. A mixed-method approach was adopted to investigate on how this international program could facilitate meaningful interactions in clinical practices. Preprogram and postprogram surveys and focus group interviews were conducted. Statistical analyses were performed on the quantitative data, while interview data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: A comparison of preprogram and postprogram surveys showed that the students perceived this community service program important for enhancement of their capabilities to communicate with people from other cultures (n = 39, p < 0.05). It also showed an increase in local students' willingness to work with people from other cultures. Some themes related to intercultural competences were identified from the interview: "intercultural awareness, understanding, and communication" as well as openness to work/socialize with people from other cultures." CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that an international community service program could initiate positive changes in students' intercultural communication capability and interest to work with culturally different people.
AB - BACKGROUND: In this globalization era, institutions are developing strategies including international service-learning pedagogies to integrate global perspectives and dimensions into the learning and teaching processes to develop students' capacity in intercultural competence. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the students' intercultural learning outcome through provision of orthotic community service to the less-privileged children. METHODS: A Hong Kong-based university collaborated with 2 American universities to conduct an orthotic community service program for the children with cerebral palsy in mainland China. In the process of service delivery, the students with different backgrounds worked closely and students' professional knowledge, intercultural understanding, and communication skills were evaluated. A mixed-method approach was adopted to investigate on how this international program could facilitate meaningful interactions in clinical practices. Preprogram and postprogram surveys and focus group interviews were conducted. Statistical analyses were performed on the quantitative data, while interview data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: A comparison of preprogram and postprogram surveys showed that the students perceived this community service program important for enhancement of their capabilities to communicate with people from other cultures (n = 39, p < 0.05). It also showed an increase in local students' willingness to work with people from other cultures. Some themes related to intercultural competences were identified from the interview: "intercultural awareness, understanding, and communication" as well as openness to work/socialize with people from other cultures." CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that an international community service program could initiate positive changes in students' intercultural communication capability and interest to work with culturally different people.
UR - https://journals.lww.com/poijournal/abstract/2023/08000/fostering_integration_among_students_with.9.aspx
U2 - 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000185
DO - 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000185
M3 - Journal article
SN - 0309-3646
VL - 47
SP - 407
EP - 415
JO - Prosthetics and Orthotics International
JF - Prosthetics and Orthotics International
IS - 4
ER -
