Abstract:

Service-Learning is actually a teaching method that combines service to the community (community service) with curriculum-based learning. Service-Learning integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, cultivate civic responsibility, inculcate lifelong learning and strengthen communities. Students who participate in Service-Learning are able to fulfill their social and psychological needs through community service which helps to build self-esteem and moral values. They feel a sense of usefulness and belonging as they work to help others. In fact, Service-Learning can foster in students a lifelong commitment to helping others. For their academic development, students are exposed with authentic learning experiences in which the academic content is taught in a real-life, real-world context. From the exposure, students will gain invaluable practical experience in their related fields which give them the opportunities to prepare, lead and reflect upon their service experiences. In addition, students develop their moral and civic values which in turn commit them to a lifelong interest towards voluntary works. The key role of educators is to facilitate learning by creating opportunities for students to understand and analyze their service experiences in the context of their coursework. This paper discusses the concepts of Service-Learning, how it can be applied and enhance the social and academic learning of the students of higher learning institutions in Malaysia, particularly for subjects like English Education, Business and Accounting as well as Computer Sciences.

Keywords:

Service-Learning, Community Service, Higher Learning Institutions, Education.