Differentiating service learning in an Australian higher education context.
Abstract
Service learning is a form of experiential learning that situates the learner in a community setting whilst working with a community partner. Distinguishing service learning from other forms of community-based experiential learning has been problematic. A rubric such as Furco’s ‘Self-Assessment Rubric for the Institutionization of Service-Learning in Higher Education’ has proven helpful. This rubric is based on experiences in the United States and needed to be modified to capture the different educational environment that exists in Australia. This paper argues that if service learning is to be a powerful and sustainable pedagogical approach Australian universities will need to develop their own models for understanding and implementing service learning. An approach that synthesises workplace learning and service learning to create a new model of community experiential learning is suggested.Downloads
References
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