Integration of a Field Experience Component in the Child Health Assessment in the Pacific (CHAP) Undergraduate Summer Fellowship Program

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To evaluate the field experience component of the Child Health Assessment in the Pacific Undergraduate Summer Fellowship Program (CHAP). Experiential learning is a pedagogical approach to reinforce concepts taught in a didactic learning environment. In a region with limited childhood health assessment programs, experiential learning may increase the likelihood that students learn key CHAP concepts. The target audience was ten undergraduate students participating in CHAP from institutions in Hawaii, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Chuuk, and Guam. Students were paired with a mentor for a child health assessment summer field experience. Students completed two online courses, a one-week hands-on training, and monthly virtual sessions for background knowledge and skills. Each student had a $400 budget. Upon completion, students submitted a written and video summary. Students were provided feedback using program rubrics. Eight students completed all field experience components with at least a satisfactory performance. Eight students provided field experience feedback through an online end of program evaluation. All eight students strongly agreed/agreed that the field experience was a valuable component, that their mentor provided meaningful guidance, and that they were provided with satisfactory assistance. Positive aspects included applying their skills, creativity, and leadership, as well as engaging with the community. Areas of improvement were related to providing clearer expectations and having more time to complete the experience, and for hands-on training. The field experience contributed positively to the CHAP student learning experience. Long-term follow-up is needed to determine if these skills are being applied by this interdisciplinary cohort of students post-program.