ABSTRACT
This chapter includes key findings from the research study from the data collected at the end of the experiential education (EE) program in 2019. This chapter discusses participants’ pre-trip and early-trip definitions of the term culturally responsive service learning (CRSL), which were primarily westernized notions of service that were rooted in cultural awareness and respectful observation. With relationships as a cornerstone for CRSL, the participant definitions revealed three categories for how CRSL should be accomplished. These categories included: (1) CRSL should be pursued from the posture of an active learner; (2) CRSL should yield mutual benefit; (3) CRSL should preserve and honor the host culture. In addition to the ways participants defined CRSL in their end of trip definitions, participants also demonstrated new ways of conceptualizing CRSL through emergent critical consciousness. The data revealed that we participants developed new ways of conscious critical thinking, identifying our own deficit thinking, and making plans for how to apply new understandings in future contexts.
