Why service-learning? A discussion on employing service-learning in enriching clinical education for health-care professions

Abstract

Service-Learning or service-based learning is being recognized effective pedagogical tool. The integration of community service into the academic curriculum in higher education is embraced whole-heartedly in many countries, and is gathering momentum in many other places all over the world. The differentiation and distinction of “Service” provision and “Learning” are debatable. The provision of service and enhancement of students’ learning are becoming more complex and dynamic in the real world. Nursing, as one of the health care professions, has been serving clients with changing health status in a diverse environment. Currently, clinical education is also known as internship, work-integrated education, or clinical practicum in different context. Whichever term is used, this article discusses the different rationales of integrating service-learning into clinical education of nursing profession. The integrating of service-learning can be highlighted and applied not just to the nursing profession: it can be generalized and promoted to other helping professions.