Service learning improves the social skills of students with mental impairments

A study by Central Michigan University Honors Program student Kimberly Nauseda of Livonia shows that service learning improves the social skills of students with mental impairments.

Previous studies on the effectiveness of service learning programs on social skills of students with moderate cognitive impairments were primarily anecdotal.

Nauseda’s study, under the supervision of CMU faculty adviser Sherrel Lee Haight, collected objective data about five elementary students that shows eye contact, initiating conversation or play, and quick decision making all improved with the use of a service-learning project in the classroom.

“This form of experiential learning in the classroom helps make the concepts more and more concrete for any student,” said Nauseda. “Service learning also has been shown to help strengthen the academic learning objectives in several other areas of the curriculum, as well as make students feel they are more a part of the school and community.”

In addition, service learning helps students develop a sense of civic responsibility and improves grades, school attendance and the overall school environment, said Nauseda.

“Since I plan to teach in special education, I wanted to see if the trends continued in the special education arena,” said Nauseda. “Although it was a short, observational study, I feel it could be a first step for further research in this area.”

For the CMU study, students in a local school district diagnosed with moderate cognitive impairments were observed and data recorded on their social skills in the classroom, at lunchtime and during recess for eight weeks.

Teachers in the study used Project ROSEBUDS Ramparts and Rugged Roses to Iraq as the service project. Free materials needed for the project are available at http://www.usarosebuds.com. Students must address the cards, make boutonnieres and send them to the correct destination.

Nauseda, who will student teach at Clare High School in the fall, presented the results of her study, “The Social Outcomes of Service Learning on Students with Cognitive Impairments,” at the Council for Exceptional Children conference this spring in Baltimore. CMU’s Honors Program, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and the CMU chapter of the Student Council for Exceptional Children supported her study.

Service learning is a blend of community service projects with a learning curriculum, using experiential learning and reflection to enhance a deeper understanding of the academic goals. Service learning helps students give back to the community and apply real life and learning skills to make decisions.