Innovative practices in service learning : engaging the community and university in an alternative professional experience program

Maggie Clarke

    Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paper

    Abstract

    ![CDATA[Service learning has been described as a pedagogical technique combining community service with integrated academic outcomes (Erickson & Anderson, 1997) or re-engaging students in their own learning (Frederickson, 2000; Roschelle et aI., 2000), or establishing linkages with universities with their local communities (Vickers, Harris & McCarthy, 2004). McCarthy (2003) has stated that service learning "links academic instruction with community service guided by reflection" (p.131). The introduction of service learning into the Bachelor of Teaching Secondary Professional Experience Program at the University of Western Sydney was developed to enable student teachers to graduate with some understandings and experiences gained from broader educational settings in their local communities other than secondary schools. The program was introduced in 1999 and has over time provided increasing opportunities for both the university and the local community to engage in opportunities that benefit all parties. This paper discusses the concept of service learning as a strategy to develop meaningful relationships with the university and the wider community. The paper draws on data derived from the student teachers who participated in the 2005 program. The data examined the written reflections of student teacher experiences of the program. The level of reflective practice was examined in terms of van Manen's three levels of reflection. The key argument put forward in this paper is that reflective practices need to form an inherent component of any service learning program to make the learning meaningful.]]
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationToward Excellence in PEPE: a Collaborative Endeavour: Proceedings of Practical Experiences in Professional Education Conference, 1-3 February 2006, Auckland, New Zealand
    PublisherFaculty of Education, The University of Auckland
    Number of pages9
    ISBN (Print)1877370134
    Publication statusPublished - 2006
    EventInternational Practical Experiences in Professional Education Conference -
    Duration: 1 Jan 2006 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceInternational Practical Experiences in Professional Education Conference
    Period1/01/06 → …

    Keywords

    • Western Sydney University
    • student teachers
    • education
    • teachers
    • New South Wales
    • Australia
    • training of
    • Western Sydney (N.S.W.)
    • service learning
    • Centre for Western Sydney
    • community and college

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Innovative practices in service learning : engaging the community and university in an alternative professional experience program'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this