Teaching Community-Based Learning Course in Retailing Management

Abstract

This study outlines the use of a community-based learning (CBL) applied to a Retailing Management course conducted in a 16-week semester in a private institution in the East Coast. The study addresses the case method of teaching and its potential weaknesses, and discusses experiential learning for a real-world application. It further addresses CBL as an important teaching application of experiential learning for the students to have a meaningful experience of studying and making recommendations about multiple aspects of retailing management for a local retailer. Course evaluation results that compared non-CBL and CBL classes showed that the mean scores in selected questions of CBL classes were statistically higher than those of non-CBL classes and the effect size was moderate. Qualitative student comments further suggested benefits and limitations of a CBL course. Notwithstanding the challenges to the instructor and the students of a CBL course, CBL applied to Retailing Management course provided meaningful benefits to the instructor, the students, and the community partner.