PART 1: Service learning and community engagement in the context of higher education
Introduction
White Paper on the transformation of higher education (Department of Education, 1997) sets out broad national goals, and refers to community engagement as an integral and core part of higher education in South Africa. The white paper makes a specific point on the role that community engagement can play in modifying the higher education system and higher education institution are therefore called to show social responsibility and their commitment to the common good by making available expertise and infrastructure for community service programmes. In this assignment community engagement will be defined and discussed by demonstrating its impact on the educational escape of South Africa.
The purpose of this post is demonstrate how community engagement seeks to promote and develop social responsibility and awareness amongst students of the role of higher education in social and economic development through community service programmes.
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Service learning and community engagement In context of higher education
Service learning can be defined as a learning outlook that combines objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs. And it also involves students in service projects to apply classroom learning for local agencies that exist to effect positive change in the community (Knapp & Fisher, 2010:216).
While community engagement is referred to as initiatives and processes through which the expertise of the higher education institution in the areas of teaching and research are applied to address issues relevant to its community. And Community engagement typically appears in a variety of forms, ranging from informal and relatively unstructured activities to formal and structured academic programmes addressed at particular community needs (CHE, 2004:12).
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Community engagement often includes activities such as volunteerism, integrated service learning and internships, placements as well community outreach. The major objective across these activities can include, service, improving learning, finding creative solutions to solve problems, and developing new knowledge.
The distinction between service learning and community engagement, is that service learning fosters a close relationship between the community, teacher and the student. With an intent to improve the operation of the relationship between the three individuals stated. Service learning is not there to substitute community engagement instead it compliments it. On the other hand community engagement is more about working together collaboration and partnerships and its aim is to exchange knowledge, skills, expertise and resources required to develop and sustain the society needs (Monash University, 2011).
THIS IS THE END OF PART 1. PART TWO WILL BE POSTED TOMORROW.
