Service learning: a holistic approach to education
Posted on 20th Jan 2025 in School News, International Education, International SchoolsAustralian International School (AIS), Vietnam, reflects on the importance and value of service learning in education.
Here at the Australian International School (AIS) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and community minded. Our holistic education approach integrates service learning into the curriculum, offering students the opportunity to connect their classroom experiences with real-world applications, fostering a sense of responsibility, empathy, and global citizenship.
What is service learning?
Service learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service. It provides students with practical experiences that enhance their academic learning while addressing genuine community needs. This methodology helps students develop a deeper understanding of societal issues, enhances their problem-solving skills, and instils a commitment to civic engagement.
Integration into the curriculum
At AIS, service learning is seamlessly woven into various aspects of our curriculum, ensuring that it is not an add-on but a core component of our educational philosophy. AIS offers a variety of curricular and extracurricular activities, including a dedicated week for 6th graders to explore local or global issues. As part of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), these activities involve students researching and presenting solutions to real-world problems.
At a senior school level, in addition to preparing for exams and selecting top universities, a comprehensive education fosters the balanced development of students’ skills. It equips them with problem-solving abilities, motivation, and leadership qualities imbued with passion and empathy. The essence of comprehensive education is to encourage students to invest their time and energy in helping disadvantaged groups in society.
Alongside core subjects, the service learning model, also known as community service, enables AIS students to develop emotionally and intellectually. The AIS school team aims to inspire students with the ambition and capability to create positive global change.
“You will develop your character and skills comprehensively so that when you graduate, you are ready for any challenge in life,” says AIS Executive Principal, Jon Standen.
Benefits of service learning
The integration of service learning into the AIS curriculum provides numerous benefits to our students:
- Enhanced academic understanding: Students gain a deeper understanding of academic content through practical application and real-world problem solving.
- Personal growth: Service-learning fosters personal growth by encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones, take initiative, and develop empathy and compassion.
- Civic engagement: By engaging in service activities, students learn the importance of active citizenship and their role in contributing to society.
- Skill development: Students acquire valuable life skills, including leadership, teamwork, communication, and project management.
Real-world impact
AIS students have made significant contributions to the local community through various service-learning projects.
“Service Learning is a crucial component of a well-rounded education. At AIS, we aim to ensure that students not only benefit from their many advantages but also receive comprehensive training and a solid foundation,” stated Standen.
AIS students also engage with local orphanages, assisting the children with reading, drawing, and more. Even during extended holidays, students remain conscientious, cleaning up trash and addressing pollution in the places they visit. According to Standen, these experiences instil a belief in positive actions, no matter how small, gradually contributing to a better, healthier environment. Additionally, these activities help students develop realistic, thorough perspectives on the world around them.
Conclusion
Service learning at AIS is more than just a component of our curriculum; it is a cornerstone of our holistic education approach. By integrating service learning into every level of education, we prepare our students to be compassionate, knowledgeable, and proactive citizens of the world. At AIS, we are committed to developing not just academically successful students, but also individuals who are equipped to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.
“We hope that our students will grow up and become talented, ethical leaders with a clear future direction,” says Standen.
AIS invites you to join us in this journey of learning and service, where education goes beyond the classroom to touch lives and transform communities.
This article first appeared in the 2024/25 edition of John Catt's Guide to International Schools, which you can read here: