Student Leadership and Training

The Student Leadership and Training programme equips student leaders with discipline-specific skills to support faculty mentors and facilitators within their respective departments. The programme is structured into three levels, each tailored to departmental needs based on survey results, with a focus on enhancing service-learning programmes.

Level One: SL Comrades

Objective: Introduce students to the fundamental principles and phases of service learning.

1.Introduction to Service Learning, Core Concepts, and Importance

• Overview of service learning
• Differentiation from other forms of engagement
• Importance in academic and community contexts

2.Phases of Service Learning (Planning, Implementation, Reflection)

• Detailed exploration of each phase
• Techniques and strategies for effective planning and implementation

3.Project Planning and Execution

• Developing project proposals
• Practical steps for executing service learning projects

4.Reflection Techniques and Importance

• Methods for reflective practice
• Importance of reflection in service learning

Assessment: Students will submit assignments distinguishing service learning from community service and defining solidarity service learning. They will also create posters on core concepts of service learning and submit service learning project proposals.

Level Two: SL Ambassadors

Objective: Enable students to understand and engage in community needs assessment and establish effective partnerships for collaborative service learning projects.

1.Understanding Community Needs Assessment

• Techniques for assessing community needs
• Analysing data to inform service learning projects

2.Identifying and Establishing Community Partnerships

• Strategies for identifying potential community partners
• Building and maintaining effective partnerships

3.Setting Goals for Community Partnerships

• Defining clear, achievable goals in collaboration with community partners
• Aligning goals with community needs and learning outcomes

4.Collaborative Service Learning Projects

• Developing and implementing projects in partnership with community organisations
• Case studies of successful collaborations

Assessment: Students will be evaluated based on their ability to assess community needs and establish partnerships, demonstrated through practical assignments and project planning exercises.

Level Three: SL Champions

Objective: Prepare students for advanced roles in service learning, focusing on the development, assessment, and dissemination of service learning projects.

1.Preparation of Course Pack, Mapping Service Engagement Activities with Learning      Outcomes

• Designing course materials that integrate service learning
• Aligning service activities with academic outcomes

2.Critical Reflection Techniques and Application

• Advanced methods for reflective practice
• Using art-based techniques for deeper reflection

3.Developing Assessment Plans for Service Learning Projects

• Creating criteria for evaluating service learning projects
• Assigning weights and developing rubrics for assessment

4.Publication of Research-Based Service Learning Projects

• Techniques for documenting and publishing service learning research
• Sharing findings and best practices with the wider community

Assessment: Students will submit journals and reports for evaluation, demonstrating their ability to develop comprehensive service learning projects, including course materials, reflection techniques, assessment plans, and publications.

The training programme follows a "train the trainer" approach, ensuring a sustainable and cascading impact across the university community. Trained students will conduct programme-specific training for all students with the support of faculty mentors within their respective clusters. These student leaders will play a crucial role in supporting and facilitating faculty members for the smooth execution of service learning initiatives and evaluating their impact.

 

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