Service-learning: New Dimensions to Usual Practice

Florence Mccarthy,R.H Setyobudi,C Ma,F Mc Carthy,L Natadjaja,D Smith

doi:10.1051/shsconf/20185901011

Abstract

“Educating the heart” has long been a theme in service-learning indicating the importance of developing awareness, understanding and respect for people unlike oneself. Particularly at the tertiary level, however, changing conditions and pressures on universities and colleges to produce “employment ready” students, manage with reduced funding and adjust to changing academic priorities can pose real challenges to service-learning programs. This article explores situations which may deflect the ability of service-learning programs to fully develop aspects of educating the heart. Additionally, the article suggests alternatives that can promote reinvigorated service-learning programs featuring intercultural understanding, strong multi-cultural ties and viable social relationships among students and with social organizations, community groups, and local people.

Highlights

The theme of ―educating the heart‖ has been a centre-piece of service-learning programs in Asia for many years [1]
More than ever it is critical to review approaches to service-learning and to explore challenges and opportunities to improve the general methods employed in educating the heart
The purpose of this paper is to explore situational and institutional arrangements which may deflect the ability of service-learning programs to fully develop aspects of educating the heart

Summary

Introduction

The theme of ―educating the heart‖ has been a centre-piece of service-learning programs in Asia for many years [1]. Local leaders worked with Silliman faculty in planning what activities could be undertaken, how they might be organized and implemented, how local people would assist in these activities, and how university students would be involved Through this process, agreement was reached about the contributions of both partners in the service-learning project, including such activities as students doing a general census of the barangay, an assessment of villagers requiring special services for the aged or physically impaired, health issues for women and children, assisting in local schools in special areas of need, and so on. Community support for the university grows, and the interest in education is reaffirmed

University-faculty relationships

Faculty-student relationships and new forms of learning

Intercultural service-learning for students at home and abroad

Equity buddies: A multicultural cross-level mentoring program

New dimensions to usual practice of educating the heart