Addressing College Drinking through Curriculum Infusion: A Study of the Use of Experience-Based Learning in the Communication Classroom

Abstract

This study examined whether the use of a norms-based simulation in a communication class can influence students’ misperceptions about college drinking. Participants (N=462) were enrolled in two undergraduate communication courses: one in which the simulation was used and another that served as a control. Results indicated that participating in the simulation resulted in a decrease in beliefs about college drinking myths; moreover, students’ perceptions of social drinking norms were related to their actual drinking behaviors. Findings indicated that the campus atmosphere and social networks promoted alcohol consumption. Results support using a norms-based simulation to provide information about dangerous drinking behaviors while at the same time teaching relevant communication principles.

Keywords:

• College Drinking
• Curriculum Infusion
• Socially Situated Experiential Learning
• Social Norms

The writing of this paper was supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (Q184H050084) and by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (DA 017552) as part of the Rutgers Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center

The writing of this paper was supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (Q184H050084) and by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (DA 017552) as part of the Rutgers Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center

Notes

The writing of this paper was supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (Q184H050084) and by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (DA 017552) as part of the Rutgers Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Linda C. Lederman

Linda C. Lederman (Ph.D. 1979, Rutgers University) is Dean of Social Sciences and a professor of human communication at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University

Lea P. Stewart

Lea P. Stewart (Ph.D., Purdue University, 1979) is a professor in the Department of Communication at Rutgers University

Travis L. Russ

Travis L. Russ (Ph.D., Rutgers University, 2006) is an assistant professor in the School of Business Administration at Fordham University