Implementation of S-L Pedagogy in Affiliated Higher Education Institutions of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Service-Learning (S-L) can be explained as a form of experiential learning where students and faculties collaborate with the community to develop learning opportunities. S-L is a worldwide accepted form of community engaging learning pedagogy which combines community service with academic instructions, focusing on critical reflective thinking. In India community-based services are prescribed by the government in the form of National Service Scheme (NSS) or extension activities etc. These are activities wherein community services need not to be aligned with the curriculum and also is not credit bearing. Moreover, summative assessment is also not a part of these programs. The concept of S-L is relatively new in the country and is shaping up as an essential pedagogy of teaching-learning practice. The present study focuses on two aspects. First, to understand the awareness of the concept of S-L in selected institutions across West Bengal) and secondly to study the challenges of S-L implementation in an affiliated college viz. Scottish Church College.