Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-14-2022
Abstract
Purpose
A novel first-year experience course was developed using culturally responsive teaching strategies at an undergraduate liberal arts college in the southeastern USA to promote health advocacy and to provide students with an overview of male health. The course focuses on the biological, sociocultural, economic and gender influences that shape men's health beliefs and practices. It also emphasizes health disparities in the USA among Black/African American men compared to other racial groups and intervention strategies to improve health outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The lecture and laboratory components of the course were designed as a blended learning environment with a modified flipped class model. Culturally relevant strategies guided the course design with three focus domains: academic success, cultural competence and sociopolitical consciousness. A community engagement model and service-learning activities were also incorporated in the design. The authors used course grades to gauge learning and implemented a survey to assess students' perception of the knowledge gained in three realms: men's health, health sciences and physical sciences.
Findings
This report describes the course design, highlights the value of using culturally responsive teaching strategies and service-learning projects to encourage students' active learning. Course activity examples are discussed with student responses. The authors found that students' perception of their knowledge in men's health, health sciences and physical sciences increased and the students performed well in the course.
Originality/value
This is one of few biology courses in the nation that intentionally focuses on the unique health challenges of Black men, while empowering college students to develop culturally competent strategies to improve their health outcomes. The findings suggest that the students learned the material and that their perceived knowledge on men's health increased. The authors urge other academic institutions and healthcare providers to consider implementation of similar courses in an effort to enhance male health equity.
Recommended Citation
Majewska, A.A., Stuart, J.D., Gray, K.M., Ryder, P.V. and Vereen, E. (2022), "Development of a Men's Health course for first-year undergraduates using culturally responsive teaching strategies", Health Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-07-2021-0102
Copyright
Emerald
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Higher Education Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons
Comments
This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Health Education in 2022 following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-07-2021-0102.