1. A Multidisciplinary Approach of Community Service – Communication of Health-Related Issues
Alice Crume and Lisa Beltz, Departments of Communication Studies and Biological Sciences
Kent State University at Tuscarawas, New Philadelphia, Ohio
Abstract
University Communication, Biology, and Business students delivered a presentation concerning life with cystic fibrosis to over 100 persons. The presentation included a play, a lecture by a prominent researcher, informational posters, and audience interaction. This project is a template for interactions between universities, patient groups, and research/health care foundations.
Biological Sciences Students
70 Biological Structure and Function students
Received information concerning of CF on human
anatomy and physiology incorporated into lectures (the role of DNA mutations, misfolding of CF protein chloride ion channel, chloride ions and mucus viscosity; effects of CF on respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems)
Utilized Web-based sources to find answers for an extensive CF-related worksheet
Prepared informational posters about CF for display at the Dec. 9 public event
Utilization of CF posters at fund-raising and educational events
Took a CF Pretest on the first day of class, a Mid-semester
Post-test, and Post-test 2 at the semester’s end
Cystic Fibrosis Final Event
129 member audience:
2 persons living with CF, 20 caregivers, 6 medical personnel, 57 students, 10 faculty/staff, and 34 others
Opening/Poster Session – audience members networked with each other and the guest speaker while viewing Biology students’ posters
Communication Studies students skit, “A Life With Cystic Fibrosis,”
portrayed the challenges of Hope, a fictional character with CF, her
daughter, and grand-daughter, with a hopeful conclusion based upon the
rapid advances in CF research and greater lifespans of those living with
this disease today as compared to years ago. 35 students
participated in the writing or acting process.
Guest speaker, Dr. Mitchell Drum, pre-eminent CF researcher from Case Western Reserve University spoke about CF today and ongoing research
Closing Session – additional time for audience networking
Description of Presentation
Three faculty members and nearly 200 students from the Departments of Communication Studies, Biological Sciences, and Business Management of Kent State University at Tuscarawas participated in a community service project in Fall The goal of this project was to raise awareness and impart information about cystic fibrosis (CF) and to a large audience, including college students, local residents, and members of the CF community. The project culminated in a presentation about the disease and patients’ lives that was open to the public. Over 100 persons attended. During the semester, Biology students studied CF’s effects on cells and organs through lecture, laboratory, and independent research and prepared informational posters for display during the final presentation. Communications Studies students interviewed Biology students and CF community members and utilized Web resources to prepare informational and persuasive speeches for their courses. They also wrote and acted in a skit outlining the life experiences of a hypothetical CF patient for the final presentation. A prominent CF researcher also spoke that night. Business Management students publicized and organized the final presentation. The campus library was a focal point for audience members to view Biology students’ posters and to network with one other. Faculty and student expectations constantly shifted during the semester in response to external factors, often upsetting students’ perceptions of a rigid learning environment and forcing flexibility and innovation. We intend this project to serve as a template for future multidisciplinary courses that communicate disease concerns to the surrounding community in broad-based collaborations between universities, advocacy groups, patients, health professionals, and researchers.
Business Management Students
15 Integrated Business Policy and Strategic Management Students
Designed promotional material for the public event, including leaflets and bookmarks
Contacted and distributed the promotional material to local civic organizations and churches
At the public event:
1. Assisted in the physical preparation of the site
2. Registered the attendees
3. Directed the attendees to the display tables; the Library for refreshments, poster viewing, and informal discussion and networking; the Auditorium to view the skit and the guest speaker
Prepared a list of the audience members and their contact information
Discussion and Conclusions
Impact on Student Knowledge Base Concerning CF
PreTest results indicated that neither Biology nor Communications students
had a large amount of knowledge about CF at the beginning of the semester
(35% or 22% correct responses, respectively). Post-Test 2 results indicated
that a significant degree of learning about CF had occurred for both groups
of students (84% and 80% correct responses for Biology and Communications
students). This met our goal of educating a large number of students about CF
Integration of Service Learning Material into University Courses
1. Communication Studies students met the goals of their class by delivering
several speeches on the topic of CF and by writing and presenting a skit to
the general public
2. CF was used as a disease model for Biology students during the course of a
Structure and Function class, providing an example of the importance of
the correct functioning of various body structures. They also prepared
educational posters currently in use by a CF caregiver and volunteer during
fund-raising events
3. Business students were able to utilize the classroom information in a real-
life situation that aided the educational and promotional goals of the
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Success of the Final Presentation
Over 100 persons registered for the final presentation, including patients,
caregivers, and persons working in healthcare fields, plus members of the
university community. Audience members expressed appreciation for the
project exposing such a large number of persons to knowledge about CF
Facing the Unknown – Unexpected Results
1. Most Communications Studies students had no prior experience in acting in
public or writing a skit. Several students expressed an interest in acting in
the future
2. Interactions between project personnel and the community partner
repeatedly shifted before and during the semester, forcing students (and
faculty members) into the uncomfortable role of continually adjusting to
new circumstances. This had the unanticipated effect of preparing the
students to adapt to changes in carefully laid plans as they will face when
leaving the structured environment of college life
Scene from Communication Studies Students’ Skit
“A Life with Cystic Fibrosis”
Biology Students Interact
with Community Members
During the Poster Session
Communication Studies Students
75 Introduction to Communication Studies students
under the direction of 12 Advanced Communication
Studies students
Received an initial presentation about CF by Dr. Beltz
Interviewed Biology studies
Delivered 3 oral presentations related to CF during the
course of the semester:
1. An informational speech
2. A persuasive speech
3. A skit about “ A Life with Cystic Fibrosis” during
the public event on Dec. 9
Took a CF Pretest prior to Dr. Beltz’s talk, Post-test 1
immediately following her presentation, a Mid-semester
Post-test, and Post-test 2 at the semester’s end
The Present and the Future
Present – a similar multidisciplinary course is being conducted this semester with COMPASS Rape Crisis Center on the topic of Domestic Violence
The Future – similar courses will be conducted in the future and may involve other university departments, such as Nursing and Sociology. Possible topics include aging and obesity
Business Management Students Register Attendees at the Final Event