Service-learning from the views of university teachers: a qualitative study based on focus groups.

Abstract Under the New Undergraduate Curriculum at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), students are required to take a 3-credit subject to fulfill service-learning requirements. To understand the views of teachers regarding service-learning, five focus group interviews (n=33) are conducted...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:International Journal of Adolescent Medicine & Health Vol. 25; no. 4; pp. 385 - 394
Autores principales: Shek, Daniel T L, Chan, Stephen C F
Formato: research Journal Article
Publicado: De Gruyter Dec2013
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Abstract Under the New Undergraduate Curriculum at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), students are required to take a 3-credit subject to fulfill service-learning requirements. To understand the views of teachers regarding service-learning, five focus group interviews (n=33) are conducted to examine the perceived characteristics and myths of service-learning as well as colleagues' views on the policy at PolyU. Results showed that most informants are aware of service-learning and have seen its benefits to both students and teachers. Most informants also possess positive views about service-learning. Nevertheless, in terms of service-learning at PolyU, three different groups of views on service-learning are observed, namely, positive, negative, and mixed views. This paper also discusses teachers' views on the anticipated difficulties of service-learning implementation and the ways, by which to promote the subject in the PolyU context.