Influences of an experiential learning program for Holocaust education

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the influence of an experiential learning program for Holocaust education. The March of Remembrance and Hope (MORH) program was established as a means to raise awareness and understanding of the event and to encourage students' involvement in related programs. The study explores what influence (if any) the MORH program had on the areas of student world-view, academic interests, and leadership skills. Additionally, the research will determine if reflection on the program influenced student participants, and if there are common demographics among those most influenced by the program. Finally, the research evaluated whether specific program activities were more influential to program participants. Data collected from 78 participants of the MORH program were analyzed using frequency distribution, Levene's Test for Equality of Variances, a Spearman's Rho correlation, multiple regression analysis and Chronbach's alpha. Open-ended questions posed in the survey were analyzed using a coding guide based on participant responses, which provided qualitative outcome data by identifying dominant themes. Results of the study indicate that participants were influenced in the areas of world-view and leadership interests and abilities more so than academic interests. Participants who actively reflected on the experience were more influenced than those who did not. There was no indication of demographic traits inherent to those participants who were more influenced by the MORH program. Finally, there were specific activities and events inherent to the MORH program that tended to influence participants at higher levels. This study found that participants in an experiential learning program for Holocaust education were influenced through participation and that participants identified a number of significant activities. This research has added to the current body of knowledge, but there are areas which might be improved or further developed based on the findings.