Document Type

Article

Source Publication

International Journal of Learning

Publication Date

2003

Abstract

The benefits of service learning for the intellectual and personal development of students have been discussed in the past few decades. Jacoby (1996) defines service learning as, “a form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities intentionally designed to promote student learning and development”. The idea of using a service-learning approach in teaching curricula is “far from new” (Gray et al, 2000) and the scope of it has been expanding substantially in tertiary education overseas, though it is still not pervasive in Hong Kong. The Lingnan Angels is a service-learning programme designed to offer opportunities for Lingnan University students to learn through serving South Asian children. The programme design has been based on the experiential learning theory (ELT), which is commonly adopted as the theoretical underpinning for service learning (Sheckley & Keetom, 1997). This is a pilot programme for university students in Hong Kong, which was launched by APIAS, Lingnan University, in September 2002. The objectives of the programme are as follows,

1. To provide training and service-learning opportunities for a group of university students in Hong Kong;

2. To examine the learning process and impacts on studetns through serving deprived children in local primary schools; and

3. To explore any implications of service-learning programmes for the university students in Hong Kong.

Recommended Citation

Chan, C. M. A., Fong, M. S. F., & Lau, W. N. H. (2003). Service learning among university students through working with South Asian children. International Journal of Learning, 10, 2941-2948.

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