title: Service-learning from the views of university teachers: a qualitative study based on focus groups.
abstract: Under the New Undergraduate Curriculum at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), students are required to take a 3-credit subject to fulfill service-learning requirements. To understand the views of teachers regarding service-learning, five focus group interviews (n=33) are conducted to examine the perceived characteristics and myths of service-learning as well as colleagues' views on the policy at PolyU. Results showed that most informants are aware of service-learning and have seen its benefits to both students and teachers. Most informants also possess positive views about service-learning. Nevertheless, in terms of service-learning at PolyU, three different groups of views on service-learning are observed, namely, positive, negative, and mixed views. This paper also discusses teachers' views on the anticipated difficulties of service-learning implementation and the ways, by which to promote the subject in the PolyU context.
authors: Daniel T L
authors: DT
authors: Shek
authors: Stephen C F
authors: SC
authors: Chan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003479:Curriculum; D005178:Faculty; D017144:Focus Groups; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education; D013334:Students; D013663:Teaching; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration*