'THE PATH LESS TAKEN': DESIGNING, IMPLEMENTING, AND EVALUATING A SERVICE-LEARNING COURSE FOR ENGINEERING COLLEGE STUDENTS IN LIBYA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v0i0.1148Keywords:
service learning, academic skills, social skillsAbstract
This research paper describes the theoretical and pedagogical background and results of the trial of implementing a service-learning course for 18 engineering students at a public Libyan engineering college. This study fills a gap in the literature related to service-learning practice and outcomes in Libya and the Arab world in general. The results of the study, based on student reflection journals, focus groups, and final course outcomes, showed that students reported academic gains in terms of improving their academic and social skills. They also report feeling empowered personally, engaged socially, and having a stronger sense of civic engagement. The initial results of the course are promising, and an expansion of it combined with a long-term study will continue in future semesters.
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