Extension, Research Heads Lead Service-Learning Workshop in Indonesia

Extension Director Asst. Prof. Emervencia L. Ligutom and Research Director Enrique G. Oracion administered a service-learning workshop on April 14 to 15 at Satya Wacana Christian University (SWCU) in Salatiga, Indonesia.

The workshop involved 45 teachers of SWCU coming from different disciplines: literature and language, biology, tourism, business, and engineering.

Among the topics in the service-learning cycle tackled by Asst. Prof. Ligutom and Dr. Oracion, who are both service-learning experts, are needs assessment, impact evaluation and institutionalization of service-learning in the academic curriculum.

In Silliman, service-learning forms part of the academic curriculum across all disciplines. All service-learning activities are coordinated by the Institute of Service-Learning.

Service-learning is a teaching pedagogy that exposes students to issues on the ground. Through immersion and interaction, students broaden their understanding of concerns on the ground, reinforce a better sense of self in relation to others, and better appreciate local culture and practices.

Reflection sessions through journal writing and focus group discussions are a critical component of service-learning. They facilitate and monitor insights and learning that build up a student’s realization of his or her role in the society.

The workshop was funded by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia.