Service Learning: Orientation to train students to become global citizens
In 2019, Van Lang University implemented a learning model through Community Service (Service-Learning) with more than 30 projects/subjects. Through the program, students learn, gain practical experience and become more connected to the community.
Service-Learning - Using knowledge and skills in the field of study to solve several social problems
Service-Learning is a learning model applied by many universities around the world. Service-Learning can be defined as a model in which instructors guide students to use knowledge and skills in the discipline to solve some social problems.
This model helps students deepen their understanding of professional knowledge, create opportunities to develop soft skills, nurture their personality, connect their thinking with the social community, and fulfill their responsibilities as a citizen.
For example, students majoring in English Linguistics can make friends and promote Vietnamese culture to the international community; Information Technology students can guide students in remote areas to access to the Internet to study,...
Van Lang University deploys Service-Learning
In Vietnam, Van Lang University is one of the universities that deploys training in this advanced learning model for students of the Honors Program.
By using the learning method that combines theory taught in the classroom and project implementation with community partners (including non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, disadvantaged communities, and social enterprises), the Service-Learning program has contributed to bringing many benefits to both students, lecturers, Van Lang University and the community…
Through solving real social problems, lecturers have the opportunity to research and deepen the taught theory, as well as update new ones and apply theory from books into practice and vice versa. After the program, students have opportunities to practice in the real world, increase skills, awareness and thinking towards society, improve the sense of responsibility of a citizen.
When implementing a project, students must find out where they are going, make their own supportive plans, and coordinate with localities to conduct community activities such as teaching, building a community library model, etc. according to the issues and local characteristics.
In September 2022, the Honors Program Development Board of Van Lang University welcomed a delegation of students from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) - Singapore, to exchange, discuss and coordinate the implementation of the social project, "Social Project Generator + 2022", in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to turn Asia into a more advanced continent in sustainable treatment and environmental protection, strengthening skills of electronic commerce.
In addition, students also went to shelters and elementary schools (Ho Mau Don shelter, Truyen Tin shelter, Le Dinh Chinh primary school...) to organize children's entertainment and teaching activities.
Van Lang University will spread the Service Learning model for students
After participating in the program, Nguyen Tan Dat - Student of K25 Course, English Linguistics major, shared: "I have completed the study modules through Community Service, participating in an experience trip at the Community Library, EVG Phong Thanh - Tra Vinh province. These opportunities helped me expand my knowledge and empathize with the life around me.
As a senior student, I want to participate in many meaningful activities to gain more life experience. Through the program, I understand more about my responsibilities, abilities and desire to share with the less fortunate individuals in society."
Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Theu - Manager of EVG Phong Thanh community library shared: "When participating in the program, Van Lang students tried their best to find English learning applications and organized a series of interesting and useful classes for children. At the same time, they also called for donations of more books and learning tools for the library. This action is so meaningful for those who struggle to access knowledge."
In the past 3 years, the subject Service Learning has been implemented by Van Lang University for 30 groups of non-profit projects, bringing positive values to the community with rich and diverse contents such as:
- Improving the quality of education for rural children, contributing to the development of the fourth goal of sustainable development ensuring an inclusive, equal and qualified education;
- Reducing the coercing wedding procedure of the K'ho ethnic group;
- Project "Power Girl" - helping teenaged girls understand the power of dreams, dare to dream, dare to fulfill, …
After each program, the lecturers and students want to have more opportunities to contribute and bring more practical values to society, to spread the Service Learning model - Learning through community service in the future.
The Honors Program of Van Lang University offers 14 majors, constructed based on three cores, including:
- Practical Experience
- Technology Application
- Community Service
These cores are designed based on the Liberal Education Philosophy, providing learners with skills and thinking to explore, position themselves, and adapt to new standards in the context of global integration.
Tags
Submit failed