Beyond the ivory tower: service-learning for sustainable community development
Year: 2003
Type: article
Abstract: Teaching, research and community service have since earliest times been regarded as the three core functions of the university. The concept and practice of service-learning has succeeded in uniting these core functions. Whereas the quality of student learning resulting from service-learning experiences is of crucial importance for universities, the role of service-learning in community development also deserves attention. The article explores the necessary conditions for service-learning to make a viable and effective contribution to sustainable community development by critically analyzing a number of service-learning projects at the University of the Free State. From this analysis certain conclusions are drawn on necessary prerequisites for service-learning to satisfy the requirements of participatory development and thus contribute to sustainable community development. It is the 's contention that the university's involvement in service-learning along the lines of participatory development is a crucial investment in the future of students, communities and the university itself. (South African Journal of Higher Education: 2003 17 (1): 31-38)
Author: M. Fourie
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $20
OpenAlex ID: W2032037060