Changing Attitudes Towards Plastic Pollution: Service Learning in a First-year Computing Course
Abstract
There is an increased need for engineers to be able to solve complex socially-relevant problems such as plastic pollution. Service learning provides an opportunity to engage students in sociotechnical problems, with many reported benefits including improving students attitudes towards school and learning, social skills, academic performance. However, service-learning is underutilized in STEM courses, particularly at the introductory level. In this study, we measure the impact of a litter pickup service-learning project in a first-year introduction to computing course on students understanding of engineers roles and responsibilities and their attitudes towards plastic pollution. Surveys were administered to students (n = 55) before and after their participation in a service-learning project, in which they were instructed to collect and characterize litter. After the project, students were more likely to agree that engineers have the skills, knowledge, and responsibility to solve societal problems. Students also demonstrated a more holistic understanding of plastic pollution, and reported changes in their waste reduction habits such as disposing of litter properly.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021AGUFMED52B..10W