The Practicalities of Service-Based Learning for Students

Ms. Gina Lopez explains to students the idea of service learning. This will teach students to connect ideas from the classroom to the real world.

Ms. Gina Lopez, Director of College of Management, explained the importance of Service-Based Learning during a lecture given on August 19, 2009. She hopes that by February of 2010, The University of Cambodia will launch a service learning center. The name of the service center, still undecided, might be called the University of Cambodia Service Learning Community (UCSLC).  Through this “program” students can come to understand the idea of community service and its benefit of working with community based organizations. Not only would they understand more about community service, but they would also gain skills such as, eloquent listening and community observation.

The establishment of this program would be implemented during the students B.A. years. It would be incorporated within their class time. This would allow faculty to teach research methodology where students can apply knowledge and skills to a particular issue or problem in the community. “We want service learning to be integrated into UC and help enhance the academics of the students,” stated Ms. Lopez.  

According to Ms. Lopez, service learning must first meet community NEEDS. Second, it must also provide the students with KNOWLEDGE about the curriculum and the issue of the community. Third, it must include time for students to REFLECT.

This program will encourage faculty to commit themselves in motivating students to embrace the values of service learning. “We want our students to be committed in their work and have a passion for what they do in life.” 

The input from our guest speaker, Professor Katherine Marshall stated, “The expectations of service learning starts at a young age. Service learning that UC brings to the community will bring about humility towards the school.”