The impact of a community service learning project on the professional growth of pre-service teachers

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Date
2011
Authors
Bansilal, Sarah
Mthembu, Zuziwe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
English: This article reports on a qualitative study based on a group of third- and fourth-year science student teachers, who participated in a community service learning (CSL) project. This study followed five students at three community drop-in centres in order to explore how their participation contributed to their learning. Data was generated from the lecturer’s field notes and reports, as well as from the students’ reflections, summative reports and presentations. The findings indicate that students found the experience academically, personally and professionally enriching. Working with poor orphans and community workers also helped the students develop a greater awareness of social responsibility.
Afrikaans: In hierdie artikel word verslag gedoen oor ‘n kwalitatiewe studie waarin derde- en vierdejaar Wetenskap-studente deelgeneem het aan ’n gemeenskapsdiens leerprojek. Die studie volg vyf studente by drie gemeenskapsentrums om vas te stel hoe die studente se deelname bygedra het tot hulle leerervaring. Data is gegenereer uit die dosent se notas en verslae sowel as die studente se eie refleksies, summatiewe verslae en voorleggings. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat studente positief gereageer het op die ondervinding en dit is bevind dat dit akademies sowel as persoonlik bevredigend was. Hierdie gemeenskapgebaseerde leerervaring het ook ’n groter bewustheid van gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid gekweek.
Description
Keywords
Community service learning, Pre-service teachers
Citation
Bansilal, S., & Mthembu, Z. (2011). The impact of a community service learning project on the professional growth of pre-service teachers. Acta Academica, 43(4), 229-251.