THE IMPACT OF SERVICE LEARNING APPROACH ON STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF GOOD CITIZENSHIP

Abstract

Service learning is an experiential learning-based approach that has gained popularity recently. In this approach, it is aimed to achieve the learning outcome by using the aspects of the ‘work for the society’ and ‘academic learning’ in company. The aim of this study is to measure the effectiveness of service-learning approach use in secondary schools on students' perceptions of good citizenship. This research utilized qualitative research methods. Qualitative data collection techniques is used in research semi-structured interview technique. It has been found out that after service-learning practices, students have used expressions about democratic citizenship and active citizenship more while used the expressions of the traditional citizen less in their ‘citizen’ description. After service-learning practices, most of students have given place to the expression of active citizenship while describing the good citizen. The rate of students seeing themselves as good citizens increased after service learning activities. It has been seen that in the answers about the characteristics of the people who are considered as good citizens after the practice of service-learning, expressions such as helpfulness, awareness of the rights and responsibilities and making effort for others have shown an increase and it has been concluded that students' attention to active citizenship characteristics has increased.