Experiential Learning Exercises’ Effects on Students’ Attitudes Toward the Global Poor

Robert Nyenhuis*, Joshua C. Gellers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This article describes the results of an experiential learning activity conducted at Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) and the University of North Florida (UNF). The activity formed the basis for an assignment required for class credit in a course titled Politics of the Developing Areas (Politics of Developing Countries at UNF). The authors developed and administered a pre- and post-assignment survey measuring student attitudes on the causes of global poverty. Between surveys, students recorded their baseline spending habits, indicated whether or not they were able to reduce their expenses over the activity period, and wrote a reflection essay on the difficulties of limiting their expenditures, connecting their experiences to citizens living in less developed countries. The article discusses the findings across the two samples, highlighting the effectiveness of experiential learning and its appropriateness in and benefits for the classroom.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)119-133
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Political Science Education
Volume19
Issue number1
Early online date9 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jan 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Pedagogy
  • experiential learning
  • poverty simulation
  • comparative politics
  • development

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