Using Service-Learning in Urban Areas in Semarang Regency to Address Local Knowledge System

Abstract

Service-learning has gained substantial recognition as an effective type of pedagogy and has enhanced civic education across the disciplines, however remains a lack of understanding of this type of learning in Indonesia. The goals of the study were (1) to explore the forms of local knowledge systems practiced in Semarang Regency and how they are used in resources conservation using service-learning method, (2) to foster student engagement with the community, and (3) to promote student awareness of community resources that are directly relevant to local knowledge system issues. The success of the service-learning projects in meeting these goals was assessed via qualitative analysis of student reflective papers and classroom presentations. The results indicated there were local knowledges that were still successfully in use, but often only very locally. Furthermore, the results also indicated that the service-learning projects promoted students' valuable academic skills, including communication, teambuilding, and critical thinking, built their self-esteem, their awareness of community needs and resources, and demonstrated the relevance of course content to real life.

Resilience and Economic Intelligence Through Digitalization and Big Data Analytics

“…Their engagement in planning and development of green urban infrastructure, through service learning activities or OPENLABs, may allow the development of skills, such as applying knowledge of ecology at the local level, developing and implementing environmental policies in urban areas, organizing time and resources to perform tasks or entrepreneurial skills (Bendt et al, 2013). Moreover, Nugroho (2017) shows that students involved in service learning activities have identified appropriate solutions to the today's society problems.…”

“…The activities carried out through service learning are among the high-impact practices known to increase the retention of notions through the active involvement of students . Learning of this type has been applied in a wide variety of subjects and courses, such as writing and composition, financial education, engineering, psychology, science and mathematics, accounting, healthcare, geography, political science, public relations, and teacher training (Nugroho, 2017). Due to the links between ecological, social, and economic systems, students can understand and conceptualize the complexity of the interrelationships and the holistic nature of the socio-economic and ecological systems so that they can contribute towards resilience and urban sustainability, realizing that their voices and actions also matter (Helicke, 2014).…”