Leveraging experiential learning to increase undergraduate students’ advocacy skills and political efficacy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Experiential learning is an approach to teaching that emphasizes hands-on experiences that provide students with an opportunity to synthesize the concepts and theories they have learned in a natural and meaningful way, which can deepen their knowledge, self-efficacy, and skill acquisition. We developed a unique strategic communication capstone course to refine communication-based skills in the context of an advocacy campaign that focused on activities related to political participation, a form of civic participation and engagement. Over the course of a 15-week semester, students identified an issue they would like to change, researched the issue, investigated members of the legislature and their positions, and developed supporting material, which culminated in a trip to present their ideas to state- and federal-level legislators. Fifty-one undergraduate students completed a written 15-minute survey that included structured and open-ended questions before and after their participation in the course. Participants showed increased confidence in skills related to political advocacy and increased political efficacy, which has the potential to increase future political engagement and participation. Open-ended questions revealed that many students felt more empowered to interact with elected officials, gained positive perceptions about the political process and players, and felt that they could create change.