Title: Enhancing Service Learning

Date & Time: Wednesday, 11 September 2024, from 9:00 – 12:00 pm

Venue: Charinyarasmi Hall, Aditayathorn Building

Conductors:
Dr. Brian Phillips, Guest Speaker
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanarerk Thanakijsombat, Panelist
Ms. Pattaka Sa-ngimnet, Panelist
Dr. Wayne Phillips, Panelist

The Strategy and Academic Development Group hosted an “Enhancing Service Learning” workshop. Led by four MUIC faculty members, Dr. Brian Phillips, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanarerk Thanakijsombat, Ms. Pattaka Sa-ngimnet, and Dr. Wayne Phillips, this workshop aims to introduce the concept of service learning.  This powerful educational approach integrates meaningful community service with academic coursework. The goal is to enhance students’ knowledge and skills while fostering a sense of civic responsibility and empathy. By engaging in real-world projects, students apply theoretical concepts to practical challenges, gaining hands-on experience and reflecting on their impact on the community.

The service-learning model combines three key elements: community engagement, academic learning, and reflection. This method enhances students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills as well as encourages them to contribute to societal improvement. Throughout the workshop, participants will explore best practices for designing and managing service-learning courses, including forming partnerships with community organizations, setting course objectives, and assessing student learning outcomes and community benefits. Aligned with Mahidol University’s core values—mastery, altruism, harmony, integrity, determination, originality, and leadership— service learning prepares students to become socially responsible professionals and promotes the university’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the role of education in solving real-world problems.