Abstract:

Previous studies have proved the merits of service learning that it can help students not only develop their personal qualities but also enhance their social and civic responsibilities. Despite the promotion since the mid-1990s, the development of SL has been hindered since these subjects generally cost more and consume substantial resources without meeting research ambition. More important, SL is popular in faculties of humanities but not in other technical departments with intellectual orientations which are less associated with social services. To fill the gap, the study has proposed a 3-Stage Service Learning Approach which offers a pragmatic pedagogical model for cross-disciplinary studies that can uphold the trilogy of teaching, research and service. A SL subject, Housing for the Community, was developed based on the Approach by integrating cross-disciplinary studies and field education in form of a capstone project. The findings reveal that the generic skills of the students participated in the project and their awareness of social responsibilities have been enhanced. The contemporary issue of housing problems of underprivileged households was also explored in the project to fulfill the research ambition.

Keywords:

Service learning, cross-displinary study, disadvantaged housing.