Abstract:
This paper presents an account of my experiences in the implementation of a service-learning (SL) module in a higher education institution in South Africa. The study is a longitudinal study from 2011 to 2013 and I want to share the story of my inquiry with the aim that the lessons I learned may help others who aspire to undertake a community-based module. My commitment and dedication were not only rewarding to my students and the community but it transformed my teaching and improved my practice as well. I learnt many lessons, including becoming innovative and being comfortable with having my work evaluated by students and other colleagues. The methodology I used is the qualitative approach of action research guided by Whitehead and McNiff's (2006). The data included students and community evaluations and critical friends reflections and comments. The paper concludes with why I believe the project worked. This is therefore a story of my own epistemological journey, and tells of what I now know and how I came to know it (Whitehead and McNiff, 2006). |
