What Is Servce-Learning?
At The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Service-Learning (SL) is defined as an experiential learning pedagogy that integrates meaningful community service with academic study and reflections to enrich students' learning experiences.
SL not only enhances students' abilities and strengthens their social responsibility, but also provides services and resources to needy people in the community and achieves win-win situation.
Why does PolyU implement Service-Learning?
PolyU endeavours to develop our graduates into "responsible global citizens" . In alignment with this goal, from 2012-13 onwards, students in the four-year undergraduate (4YUG) curriculum are required to successfully complete a three-credit subject designated to meet the Service-Learning Requirement before graduation. PolyU is the first university in Hong Kong to make Service-Learning mandatory for all undergraduate degree students.
Development of Service-Learning at PolyU
As at May 2014, Senate has approved 49 SL subjects proposed by 22 academic departments from eight Faculties/Schools, covering a wide range of community service projects. These subjects provide students with opportunities to serve needy people with their professional knowledge and skills in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and overseas.
Looking ahead, PolyU will strive to maintain long-term collaboration with our local community partners, and continue to develop more service projects in the Chinese mainland and overseas for enhancing our students' sense of national and global citizenship.