Service-Learning (SL) is an experiential learning approach that integrates academic study with community service and self-reflection to enrich the learning experiences of students while enabling them to contribute to the community. Since the introduction of the first SL subject in 2016/17, full-time students of PolyU SPEED can either take a 3-credit SL subject or a free elective as a part of their graduation requirement.
Currently four SL subjects are offered, namely “Practices in Health Promotion” in collaboration with Sik Sik Yuen, “Teaching Primary School Students English as a Service-Learning Experience” in collaboration with New Home Association, and two brand new subjects, namely “Storytelling for Understanding: Refugee Children in Hong Kong” in collaboration with Christian Action, and “Chinese as a Second Language for Ethnic Minority Children” in collaboration with the LINK Centre of Hong Kong Community Network.
The students who took these four SL subjects before were engaged in promoting community health, teaching English to primary school students, conducting storytelling workshops for refugee children, and supporting ethnic minority children in learning Chinese.
Not only could SL subjects help students put knowledge into practice, but they could also broaden students’ understanding of different ethnic groups in the community as well as enhance students’ sense of social awareness, responsibility and engagement.
Students and beneficiaries of the SL subject “Storytelling for Understanding: Refugee Children in Hong Kong” tour the PolyU West Kowloon Campus after a story sharing session.
Students of the SL subject “Chinese as a Second Language for Ethnic Minority Children” design and deliver a Chinese learning programme for the beneficiaries.