Community Engaged Approaches to Asthma Research and Education

Catalog description

Pediatric asthma is a chronic lung disease and a significant health burden to the Philadelphia community, affecting 1 in 5 school-aged children. In this Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) course, graduate students will not only receive an introduction to the immunological and environmental causes of asthma but will also be provided with the opportunity to engage with the local community by working in small groups as co-teachers of asthma lessons in a Philadelphia middle school classroom. Graduate students will receive instruction on 1) the underlying pathogenesis of asthma, 2) the efforts of local community organizers to improve asthma outcomes in vulnerable Philadelphia families, and 3) pedagogical principles. As co-teachers, graduate students will utilize problem-based learning approaches to promote education and awareness of asthma causes, symptoms and prevention in our community. Note: Background clearances AND mandated reported training are REQUIRED to work with Andrew Hamilton middle school students.