Teaching Experience based on Service Learning (SL) at the Islamic University in Gaza: the Pros and Obstacles

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the introduction of the Service Learning (SL) component in three university courses in Islamic University of Gaza. The study focused on the following questions: 1) What are the steps followed to implement teaching that is based on service learning from the perspective of involved faculty members? 2) What are the advantages and the obstacles associate with the implementation of service learning? 3) To what extent was student involvement in this experience beneficial to students' academic, personal, societal and professional domains from their perspectives? The study sample consisted of 101 students, of whom-88-at the bachelor's level. It was distributed as follows: Department of Architecture, Urban Flaming course (16 students), and the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Microbiology course (72 students). The MA students were from the Department of Educational Administration: Educational Management course. Researchers relied on a questionnaire completed by the students, in addition to the interviews conducted with the three (3) faculty members involved in those courses. Results of the analysis showed that teaching based on service learning was successful and has achieved its objectives in various forms. Results exceeded expectations and were ahead of the targets set by the university. It appears through the university has benefited from the experience in a direct way in terms of strengthening the reputation, and in making a positive difference in the lives of the beneficiaries.