Service Learning is Action Learning: A Novel Way to Increase Classroom Learning Retention

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective As educators, how do we ignite students to become effective and engaging ambassadors for the medical laboratory profession while making learning difficult concepts fun? This case study explores the use of service learning as an effective tool in nurturing advocacy for issues affecting the health and longevity of minority populations within the community, while learning hematological and blood banking concepts. Methods/Case Report Four MLT student cohorts comprised of twelve to sixteen students each participated in a ten- week, service-learning assignment as part of their Medical Laboratory Technician Curriculum. Assignment objectives were to: (1) understand racial /cultural history that preclude individuals from participating in hematopoietic stem cell donation and transplant; and, (2) develop and implement a strategy to recruit donors for the screening event. Students actively recruited across their college campus and surrounding communities to enroll one hundred new stem cell donors, with over fifty percent of these donors identifying as people of color. This activity represented ten percent of their course grade. Examples of assignments students were required to complete included: creating and implementation a donor recruitment strategy; reflection journal entries; host an in-person /virtual stem cell donor drive; and submission of an outcome assessment summarizing goal achievement along with lessons learned. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) N/A Conclusion As a result, students enrolled over 300 new stem cell donors into Be The Match™ - National Marrow Donor Program® resulting in seven successful transplants. Students learned how to effectively inform their community of the importance of clinical laboratory scientists, raising awareness of the need for clinical laboratory professionals and the need of genetically diverse individuals to volunteer as donors to provide the life-saving therapies.