Community Service-Learning Project Explanation
Introduction:
In order to implement the social care concept of community service and actively promote student clubs to engage in activities beyond the campus, we have established long-term cooperation plans with local primary and secondary schools. These plans encourage student clubs to assist in community activities and the development of primary and secondary school clubs. Through alliances with nearby schools, we provide specialized instruction during regular class time and club activities. This not only cultivates students' collective abilities and diverse skills but also enhances the overall educational function by making effective use of teaching resources at different stages.
For example, every year, we send more than ten student clubs to nearby high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools as part of the "Promotion of College Student Clubs Leading the Development of Primary and Secondary School Clubs" project initiated by the Ministry of Education. We also participate in events such as "World AIDS Day Care" organized by the Taoyuan County Salvation Army and the "Health Ambassador Project" by the Department of Health.
Furthermore, we encourage student clubs to engage in various social service activities, guiding students to embody the spirit of selflessness and empathy. We organize camps for primary and secondary schools in education priority areas, such as the "Chess Club Little Fly's Joyful Chess Camp" and the "90s Club Winter Science and Recreation Camp." We also hold events like "Sunflower Children's Service Club's Happy Learning" and "Taoyuan Alumni Association's Joyful Learning." In the 100th academic year alone, the number of people benefiting from our services exceeded 3,000.
Service-learning
Service-learning is the integration of "service" and "learning." In simple terms, it means "learning by doing." In fact, the definition and scope of service-learning are not easily defined, but the following points are commonly used to explain it:
- School and community integration:
Through participation in service activities, students gain organized service experiences. However, service activities should be coordinated by both the school and the community to meet the genuine needs of the community.
- Integration of service and curriculum:
Students apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in school to provide services in their own community's context of life.
- Emphasis on the importance of learning:
Service-learning is incorporated into the school curriculum, and students engage in reflection, discussion, and writing based on their observations and experiences in service activities, aiming for genuine learning.
- Emphasis on personal development:
Expanding the learning environment from the classroom to the community helps develop emotional connections and care for others. In summary, service-learning is a form of service that values the factors of learning. Through planned service activities and structured reflection processes, it meets the needs of those being served and promotes the development of the service providers.