A Demonstration of Character Strength in Service Learning

 

By Ms. Lui Chi Yuen and Ms. Cheung Po Yu

 

Service learning is a meaningful activity to enrich students’ learning experience outside the classroom and enhance students’ responsibility and community engagement. Nowadays, many children are constantly taken care of by domestic helpers who do all the chores and give them a lot of attention. Many experts say this is the cause of children’s weak self-management skills.

 

In early-January, WFJLPS students were assigned to have service learning in different aspects. The senior students paid visits to the elderly’s home and went out to the neighbourhood to clean the streets, whereas P.1 and 2 students committed their service at school --- they cleaned their desks, chairs, pigeonholes and every corner of the classrooms. Not only did they clean their own classroom, they also cleaned others’ classrooms. One of the students was glad and shared that it was an opportunity to help fellow schoolmates. During the cleaning process, they formed small groups in cleaning particular areas in the classroom. They collaborated in cleaning their appointed areas. Although it was the first cleaning experience for P.1 and 2 students, members in the same group were willing to help and demonstrated the cleaning steps for one another. Teamwork and perseverance were displayed during the interactions between students. Students insisted in helping even when they got tired from time to time. It was grateful to see that students worked proactively to achieve the same goal ---to maintain tidiness in classrooms.

 

After the service, students sat together and reflected on their experience and difficulties. When a student reflected on his experience of cleaning the classrooms, he said, “Cleaning the classroom is fun and I want to do housework at home.” But when I asked him if he would help his mom with the chores after the service learning, he honestly said his helper would not let him help. Another P.2 student recalled how tired he was after working with his classmates to wipe the bookshelf and tidy up the books in the classroom. From the experience, they learnt to feel thankful for the janitors’ hard work and be grateful to have them. Some parent volunteers also felt glad to see their kids working hard to wipe the dust off and tidy up the desks and chairs.

 

It is hoped that students can transfer their positive attitudes into their study, and even their future careers. According to Billig (2000), service learning may enhance learning motivation and work attitudes. Students did not only acquire the cleaning steps, but also enhance communication skills. They shared with their members the most effective ways to tidy up. They acquired the skills by application.

 

Service learning also helps students to understand themselves better as they explore ways they can contribute to the community, which boosts their self-confidence and commitment to public service.

 

Reference:

 

S.H., Billig. (2000). Research on K-12 School-Based Service Learning.