SERVICE LEARNING WORKSHOP FOR FACULTIES

The CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Lavasa Campus recently hosted a two-day Capacity Building Program on Service Learning, skillfully guided by the esteemed Centre for Service Learning at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) in Bangalore. The event, held on the 17th and 18th of October 2023, aimed at enhancing the understanding and implementation of Service Learning among the faculties of Lavasa Campus. 22 Faculty members from different departments participated in the Two day workshop.

Under the leadership of Dr. Sharon Valaramathy, a team of four accomplished faculty members from diverse departments conducted insightful sessions, fostering discussions on the theme: "Institutionalisation of Service Learning for Whole Person Development."

The program commenced with Dr. Valarmathi.B setting the tone by introducing the participants to the concept of Service Learning. Her opening session provided a comprehensive overview, laying the foundation for the subsequent discussions. Dr. Valarmathi.B, an Associate Professor in the Department of Commerce, spearheaded a session on the "Planning and Execution of Service Learning Project." Dr. Valarmathi.B provided a step-by-step guide on how to plan, implement, and assess service-learning projects. Her session equipped participants with the necessary tools and strategies to translate service-learning concepts into actionable projects, ensuring the seamless integration of service into the academic curriculum.

Throughout the two days, participants engaged in fruitful conversations on various aspects, including Service-Learning models, frameworks, focus areas, curriculum design, learning outcomes attainment, community mapping, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools, project planning and execution, reflection in Service Learning, assessment, faculty roles and support, and student preparation.

Dr. Kishore Selva Babu, an Associate Professor in the Department of English and Cultural Studies within the School of Arts and Humanities, led an enlightening session on "Service-Learning Models, Framework, and Focus Areas." and also

“Faculty Role and Support and Student preparation for effective Service Learning”. Dr. Kishore delved into the diverse models of service learning, exploring the various frameworks that guide the integration of community service into academic settings. His session not only addressed the theoretical underpinnings but also provided practical insights into the effective implementation of service-learning initiatives. By focusing on the specific areas where service learning can make a significant impact, he also empowered participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to align service-learning experiences with the curriculum and the broader goals of the institution.

Dr. Jacqueline Kareem, an Associate Professor in the School of Education, conducted a thought-provoking session on "Designing a Service Learning Curriculum and Attainment of Learning Outcomes." With a wealth of experience in the field of education, Dr. Kareem guided participants through the intricacies of crafting a service-learning curriculum that aligns with educational objectives. Her session went beyond theoretical discussions, providing practical strategies for defining learning outcomes and assessing their attainment through service-learning experiences. Dr. Jacqueline's expertise contributed to equipping the faculty with the tools needed to create meaningful, outcome-oriented service-learning programs.

Dr. Patrick Lukas Jude, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology within the School of Arts and Humanities, led two impactful sessions. The first session focused on "Community Mapping and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Tools for Need Analysis." Dr. Jude guided participants through the process of understanding community dynamics, identifying needs, and utilising participatory tools for effective needs analysis. In the second session on "Reflection in Service Learning," Dr. Jude explored the crucial aspect of reflective practices in service learning. Participants gained insights into how reflection enhances the learning experience, fostering deeper understanding and personal development.

The sessions led by these distinguished speakers collectively enriched the participants' understanding of service learning, providing them with a holistic perspective on its models, curriculum design, community engagement strategies, and project execution. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical insights positioned the participants to effectively implement service-learning initiatives within their respective academic domains.

OUTCOMES OF THE EVENT

Outcome 1: The workshop provided a comprehensive understanding of Service Learning to the participating faculty members, covering various aspects such as models, frameworks, curriculum design, and learning outcomes attainment.

Outcome 2: Faculty members gained practical skills and strategies necessary to plan, execute, and assess service-learning projects. They were equipped with tools for translating theoretical knowledge into actionable projects seamlessly integrated into the academic curriculum.

Outcome 3: The event facilitated robust discussions on multiple facets of Service Learning, including community mapping, participatory rural appraisal tools, reflection in Service Learning, assessment, faculty roles, and student preparation.

Outcome 4: Distinguished speakers from diverse departments led insightful sessions, providing both theoretical underpinnings and practical insights. Their expertise enriched the participants' understanding and prepared them for effective implementation within their academic domains.