Research

Available PDF Research Readings

PDF Research Readings(opens in new window) (Google Drive Folder)
- some readings may require Chico State log in.

Examples

Both community engagement and interdisciplinarity have been shown to have substantial and significant effects on student success. As examples:

• Students who participate in civic engagement learn more academic content (Gallini and Moely 2003).
• Civically engaged students learn higher-order skills—including critical thinking, writing, communication, mathematics, and technology—at more advanced levels of aptitude (Cress 2004).
• Civic engagement increases students’ emotional intelligence and motivates them toward conscientious community action (Bernacki and Jaeger 2008).
• Educational research has documented the benefits of collaborative teaching (i.e. enhanced learning, critical thinking, and developing practical skill sets). (Bucci & Trantham, 2014; Lester & Evans, 2009; Mathei & Isler, 2011). Bucci & Trantham (2014) note that analyzing material from more than one perspective enhances students’ critical thinking skills more so than traditional singular subject teaching approaches. Mathei & Isler (2011) stress that creating a unique, hands-on research project centered on a topic that is useful to the campus-community makes research methods “real” for students, allowing them to learn practical skills. Furthermore, collaboration across disciplines enhances learning for faculty and students (Bucci & Trantham, 2014; Lester & Evans, 2009), and models a “community of learners” for students (Lester & Evans, 2009).

Articles

Gallini, S., & Moely, B. (2003). Service learning and engagement, academic challenge, and retention. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 10, 5-14.

Cress, Christine M. 2004. “Critical Thinking Development in Service-Learning Activities: Pedagogical Implications for Critical Being and Action.” Inquiry: Critical Thinking Across the Disciplines 23, 87–93.

--

Accessible Documents

This page contains links to documents on other websites outside of the control of CSU, Chico. These documents may or may not be accessible to impaired users. If you need special accommodation to access documents referenced on this page, please contact the Office of Accessible Technology and Services at 530-898-6532 or oats@csuchico.edu.