Development and Application of Housing and Interior Design Courses Work for the Promotion of Service-Learning in Home Economics Education

Abstract

This study develops and applies a service learning course that integrates university curriculum with the local community in housing and interior design. The results of the study are as follows.<br/>First, the service learning course of the housing and interior design was developed as a six-week lecture based on the project model with the theme of housing for the socially disadvantaged. Second, this course was implemented with faculty, students, interior designers, and service recipients to engage in activities to improve the educational environment of local child centers. Next, students engaged in the service learning course and continuously conducted reflection activities to enhance the effectiveness of learning. In reflection activities, students assessed that self-directed capabilities increased as has employing the coordination and applicability to meet identified community needs. Finally, faculty, students, and experts (including institutional experts and supervising departments) evaluated course practice and educational outcomes. Experts assessed that the course clarified course objectives, utilized various learning strategies, and showed that the structural reflection mode of learners and professors was overwhelmingly positive.<br/>The results indicated that service-learning courses enable students to integrate academic study with social work to better understand course content through direct engagements in experience learning. Furthermore, students are empowered by participation in public services that benefit service clients and consultants as students take more personal responsibility for learning.