Page 19 - 和富慈善基金李宗德小學 知德集

Teachers' Writing Corner

A Demonstration of Character

Strength in Service Learning

Ms. Lui Chi Yuen and Ms. Cheung Po Yu

Service learning is a meaningful activity to enrich students’ learning
experience outside the classroom and enhance students’ responsibility and
community engagement. Nowadays, many children are constantly taken care
of by domestic helpers who do all the chores and give them a lot of attention.
Many experts say this is the cause of children’s weak self-management skills.

In early January, WFJLPS students were assigned to have service learning
in different aspects. The senior students paid visits to the elderly’s home
and went out to the neighbourhood to clean the streets, whereas P.1 and 2
students committed their service at school --- they cleaned their desks, chairs,
pigeonholes and every corner of the classrooms. Not only did they clean their
own classroom, they also cleaned others’ classrooms. One of the students was
glad and shared that it was an opportunity to help fellow schoolmates. During
the cleaning process, they formed small groups in cleaning particular areas in
the classroom. They collaborated in cleaning their appointed areas. Although
it was the first cleaning experience for P.1 and 2 students, members in the
same group were willing to help and demonstrated the cleaning steps for one
another. Teamwork and perseverance were displayed during the interactions
between students. Students insisted in helping even when they got tired from
time to time. It was grateful to see that students worked proactively to achieve
the same goal --- to maintain tidiness in classrooms.

After the service, students sat together and reflected on their experience
and difficulties. When a student reflected on his experience of cleaning
the classrooms, he said, “Cleaning the classroom is fun and I want to do
housework at home.” But when I asked him if he would help his mom with the
chores after the service learning, he honestly said his helper would not let
him help. Another P.2 student recalled how tired he was after working with his
classmates to wipe the bookshelf and tidy up the books in the classroom. From
the experience, they learnt to feel thankful for the janitors’ hard work and be
grateful to have them. Some parent volunteers also felt glad to see their kids
working hard to wipe the dust off and tidy up the desks and chairs.

It is hoped that students can transfer their positive attitudes into their study,
and even their future careers. According to Billig (2000), service learning may
enhance learning motivation and work attitudes. Students did not only acquire

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