Educating the Educator: Reflections Post Service- Learning Projects
Maznah Hj Ibrahim Pusat Citra Universiti Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia maznah@ukm.edu.my Service Learning Projects Definition: Service learning is a form of experiential learning where classroom instruction is reinforced by community service (Hunter and Brisbin, 2000). The theoretical background of service learning - based on David Kolbs action reflection theory.
7/1/2014 reflections maz 2 01/07/2014 community service maz 3 01/07/2014 community service maz 4 Animal Guardian: Zoo Volunteers at Zoo Negara We Love We Care: Farm in the City, Sri Kembangan, Selangor Reflection and Teaching in Action Research
Great teachers know when to make decisions quickly and when to step back and reflect.
Anonymous Reflective thinking is normally associated with John Dewey (1933 and 1938) and it is also often associated with critical thinking.
7/1/2014 reflections maz 9 Definition: Reflection Lucas (1999) summarizes that reflection is a systematic inquiry into ones own practice to deepen ones own understanding. Reflection or critical reflection relates to an activity or process in which an experience is recalled, considered and evaluated. Reflection is a response to past experience and involves conscious recall and examination of the experience as a basis for evaluation and decision making. Educators who constantly do reflection on developing their practice may reach a higher standards of performance. 7/1/2014 reflections maz 10 Reflection Strategies Richards and Lockhart (1994) suggested six different techniques for capturing the opportunities or events for reflections in the classroom teaching : Teaching journal with written accounts of teaching strategies. Lesson reports with accounts written in the lesson plan. Surveys, questionnaires and interviews. Audio and video recordings. Peer observations. Action research
7/1/2014 reflections maz 11 Action Research Design: Service Learning Projects 7/1/2014 reflections maz 12 identify activity to achieve learning outcomes implement service learning projects use service learning projects - with community partners Reflect and evaluate The Findings Direct Service Learning Projects: Direct and Personal Contact Direct service learning projects have the attractions - as these projects give students direct and personal contact with the people in need. Students find this type of service most rewarding - they receive immediate feedback during the process of helping the communities.
7/1/2014 reflections maz 14 Learning Experience Enhanced Service learning literature demonstrated that students engaged in service learning projects receive benefits or exposure in two areas: (a) their learning experience is enhanced 7/1/2014 reflections maz 15 Be more responsible citizen and (b) they are likely to be more responsible citizen throughout adulthood (Basinger and Bartholomew, 2006). they are now more aware regarding the different class or status in the society
7/1/2014 reflections maz 16 Supervising service learning projects is a learning experience to the educator as well.
It is more important for educators constructing service learning projects to take attention on the needs of both students and community partners.
Regardless service learning project is one teaching approach that show teaching and learning could be anywhere and there are always a lively and friendlier learning environment outside the rigid walls of the classrooms.