Abstract
- The teaching of biochemistry is conventionally conducted in the form of lectures or laboratory classes. Students’ learning is usually context-specific as the course contents are modularized into specific theories or experimental techniques. Prescribed learning activities engaging students in community service are less common in traditional biochemistry curricula. Furthermore, there is also a lack of opportunities for students to engage in solving real-life problems with their learned biochemical knowledge and skills. As a result, regular didactical approach is not conducive to the cultivation of dynamic learning environment which facilitates the acquisition of higher-order thinking abilities and critical thinking skills via community engagement.
- Since 1960s, service-learning pedagogy has been widely adopted in different levels of education to enhance students’ learning, engagement and retention. Although service learning is a popular pedagogy in social science disciplines, its use is rather limited in life sciences. Many do not even require reciprocity between the participating students and those being served.*
- In light of our students’ learning needs, this project aims to (i) develop a service-learning programme dedicated for biochemistry education; (ii) help students acquire problemsolving skills and generic skills in a real-life setting; and (iii) and to promote deep learning by building a reflective and reciprocal relationship with students in local secondary schools.
*Santas, Amy J. (2009) Reciprocity within Biochemistry and Biology Service-Learning, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 37(n3):143-151.
Brief write-up
Project objectives
This project aims to (i) develop a service-learning programme for enhancing biochemistry education; (ii) help students acquire problem-solving skills and generic skills in a real-life setting; (iii) and to promote deep learning by building a reflective and reciprocal relationship with students in local secondary schools.
Activities, process and outcomes
The activities of this project include the development of learning materials, provision of tutorial classes and dissemination of good practices in implementing a service learning programme for life science students. This project engaged nine final year undergraduate students and a group of senior forms students from two local secondary schools. The major outcomes include enriched learning experience for undergraduate students through community service, and an innovative pedagogy through collaborative learning with students from secondary schools.
Deliverables and evaluation
This project has developed a pilot service learning programme for undergraduate students and a set of eLearning materials related to some neurological diseases prevalent in Hong Kong. The implementation of the service learning programme and students’ learning were constantly evaluated through questionnaire survey and various types of assessments.
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
The learning materials and good practices of service learning materials were shared among students and teachers via internal meetings and eLearning platforms.
Impact on teaching and learning
This project provides an exemplary service learning programme in the School of Life Sciences with a focus on neurological diseases and a vision to help students achieve the intended Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
