Service Learning for Inclusive Society in Malaysia: Driving Learning through Meaningful Experience

Service learning is a method of teaching which combines classroom instructions with service to community. The provision of meaningful experience allows learners to drive their own learning. In the context of this study, service learning was used as an approach in increasing students’ awareness and inculcating positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. This also aims to promote inclusive society by eliminating challenges faced by PWDs, namely social discrimination, lack of awareness and traditional prejudices. Thirty-three students from the Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA were made as facilitators for a 3-day program involving the PWDs. The reflections provided by the students emerged into three themes, namely: 1) inculcation of positive attitudes and perceptions towards PWDs, 2) inculcation of awareness and knowledge on PWDs issues, and 3) other benefits. In conclusion, the experience gained by the students through service learning has been proven to be effective in their overall attitude towards PWDs, in the effort to promote inclusive society. Service Learning for Inclusive Society in Malaysia: Driving Learning through Meaningful Experience

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