Open AccessService Learning in Higher Education: Evidence from Malaysia
Author(s) -
Norlaile Salleh Hudin,
Juliana Osman,
Suzyanty Mohd Shokory,
Hariyati Ab Wahid
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2227-524X
DOI - 10.14419/ijet.v7i3.30.18361
Subject(s) - blueprint , thematic analysis , psychology , christian ministry , medical education , mathematics education , higher education , curriculum , service learning , pedagogy , qualitative research , medicine , sociology , engineering , political science , mechanical engineering , social science , law
The conventional lecture teaching style designed by our education system is becoming less relevant in meeting the millennial students’ learning necessities. Common lecture seems no longer adequate in developing an engaging and effective lesson for the graduates. For that reason, Malaysian Ministry of Education suggests SERVICE-LEARNING (SL) to be conducted to supplement student learning. Nevertheless, prior studies on SL effectiveness showed mixed results. Therefore, this study is conducted to understand and provide a detailed account of students’ learning development in a higher education institution in Malaysia. By employing the qualitative methodology, 39 students participated in SL project were interviewed to understand students’ learning development. The responses were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by using thematic analysis. The results revealed that knowledge and skills developed meaningfully through SL unlike in typical classroom setting where knowledge is expected to flow effectively from lecturers to students without real world experience or lasting impact. However, some students were found to understand the lesson slightly different from their peers. This research provides guidelines for course instructors to design SL in academic courses and improve student learning for the purpose of realizing Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2025.