Integration of Flexible Service-Learning Program (E-SLP) in the School of Education Graduate Curriculum

Abstract

Service learning integrates students’ experiences into the curriculum for students to become change agents. Due to COVID-19, the School of Education Graduate Studies program adopted Flexible e-service Learning (FeSLP) in collaboration with Xavier Ateneo’s Service-Learning Program and Bukidnon Mission Schools. The study determined how FeSLP was integrated into the Graduate studies curriculum during the new normal. The study used participatory action research. Purposive sampling was used with 18 Masters and 9 Ph.D. students. The Graduate students had brainstorming sessions on how to address the community’s needs. Conducting a webinar and providing modules, were then implemented. Findings revealed that FeSLP is beneficial in integrating students’ academic and social formation. Students have internalized the objectives of the program, which helped them achieve the learning outcomes. However, some challenges were observed in courses that need in-depth interaction and immersion in communities for meaningful engagements. Nonetheless, the community was grateful for the provisions of materials that helped their instruction during the pandemic. Graduate students also shared that their experiences had helped them become more reflective about the significance of the course and their role in the contextual application. Their collaboration enlightened their perspectives toward their work and studies as agents of change. Keywords: flexible e-service learning; curriculum development; social development