Preparing future primary teachers for society's challenges: introducing service-learning methodology within the BSC. in education

Abstract

University students have raised concerns regarding how their theoretical knowledge relates to the actual necessities of present-day society. Recent trends in Higher Education have addressed this matter, emphasizing the need to develop learner’s competences. The aforementioned circumstance is especially relevant in the Degree of Education, in which future teachers learn how to face difficulties such as inequality, social exclusion, and discrimination. In order to foster the learner’s social and cultural competences, as well as to enhance social consciousness, a project based on Service- Learning Methodology was designed. Students were guided in the design of tools, activities, and resources to be displayed on Children’s Day, fostering social inclusion and co-education. The NGO “Creo Desarrollo” assisted in the implementation of the project and their testimony was essential to assess the undergraduates’ participation. In this paper, the theoretical framework of the project is described followed by the active phases and student’s evaluation. Results show this was a positive experience and future projects based on this one could improve student’s perception of present-day society.