The role and processes of service learning in a high school Karachi: A case study
Date of Award
8-1-2004
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Education (M. Ed.)
Department
Institute for Educational Development, Karachi
Abstract
This study explores a case of Service-Learning in a school context. Service-Learning is a methodological approach that facilitates learning through action/service, usually carried out in a community context. For this, using purposive sampling, a private school in Karachi was approached whereby Service Learning was initiated. Having identified the school, then access was sought, after which an informed consent was taken from the research participants. In this regard, the study adopts a case-study research method; using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis as the main tools for data collection. The study reports that the Service-Learning (S-L) initiative in Haji Murad School ( the case under study) is rationalized and situated as a part of Personal, Intellectual, Social and Moral Development (PRISM);program'; which aims towards holistic development of children; through complementary learning approaches to school's prescribed subject curriculum. The study further reports findings related to the processes, outcomes and challenges of conducting Service-Learning in the context of Haji Murad School. The study found the following main findings: S-L was chosen as an experiential learning teaching method especially to teach PRISM aspects in a real context and it was influenced the by school vision. ; Different stakeholders pursued S-L in deferent ways. The study found the S-L document; PC and the students have a clear idea about S-L. However, the SPCs' conception of S-L was found varying. ; S-L in Haji Murad School took place in many steps: the initial planning, identification of the community needs, the selection of students for service, service action and a small scale recognition. But the program was found lacking in the main component of reflection and the program was also found to be teacher centered because the students' role was found to be minimal. Therefore, this program cannot be named standard service-learning program. But in spite of lacking in expertise in carrying out this project, a number of learning outcomes were reported by the students. For example, realizing others' needs, recognizing the power and value of collaborative work, changing and challenging previous beliefs, building interpersonal relationships, understanding the nature of the teaching profession, building confidence and getting inspiration from service. While carrying out the service-learning project a number of challenges were found. Based on the analysis, the study concludes with presenting recommendations for Service- Learning in Haji Murad School, as well as identifies further areas for research.
Recommended Citation
Khan, A. (2004). The role and processes of service learning in a high school Karachi: A case study (Unpublished master's dissertation). Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.