Studium.Pro-Module: "Service Learning at the Margins"
The KU has been offering the seminar "Service Learning at the Margins - Teaching Online in Refugee Reception Camps Worldwide" since the winter semester 2021/2022. Within the framework of the Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL) program "Learning Facilitator", KU students have the opportunity to act as learning facilitators. They provide teachers in crisis regions with didactic and methodological support for their further training and immerse themselves in different teaching and learning contexts. In the process, they gain valuable experience outside the German education system, take part in JWL seminar units and create digital materials such as explanatory videos and guidelines on the use of AI, which are provided to JWL students on a permanent basis and thus contribute to education in crisis regions.
By introducing the "Service Learning at the Margins" module, the KU is responding to the challenges of blended learning for JWL students and promoting cooperation between KU and JWL students. In their role as mentors, KU students not only advise their JWL fellow students academically, but also support them in practical life skills using technologies such as Zoom. As a result, tailor-made educational offers are created that stimulate discussions about educational justice and socio-economic inequalities.
This partnership between KU and JWL aims to transcend traditional educational barriers and highlight the importance of collaborative and blended learning in modern pedagogy. JWL students become change agents in their communities, addressing local issues with global perspectives. This synergy fosters mutual growth and bridges cultural, geographic and digital divides. It also emphasizes the transformative power of education, combined with community service, engagement and holistic well-being. Not only does this collaborative endeavor between KU and JWL generate knowledge, but it also cultivates global citizens committed to societal good and personal growth.
Testimonials
Having struggled with finding an overall purpose in life and always aiming to find something meaningful to engage in, I was positively surprised to find this class being offered at KU as it combines personal challenges and learnings with supporting and helping other groups of young professionals to gain perspectives,…
Having struggled with finding an overall purpose in life and always aiming to find something meaningful to engage in, I was positively surprised to find this class being offered at KU as it combines personal challenges and learnings with supporting and helping other groups of young professionals to gain perspectives, educational value, and learning experiences. [...] That is why I have deliberately chosen this amazing and interesting project to make the first step into the right direction – a direction into action.
I was hoping to learn how to teach in an international, intercultural context, how to motivate students and how to equip them with key tools for their future learning journey. What I love about the idea of the project is that we rather openly discuss possible struggles and solutions on eye level – with mutual respect and especially, and I can only speak for myself here, a lot of inspiration and love.
I am all together very content with our work whose preliminary objective it was to define some guidelines for the correct usage of generative AI tools. It could be used as a foundation to future KU projects explaining in more detail the correct working methods and different scopes of application - the 'how’ to our ‘what’. Finally and most importantly, it gives JWL students a first framework on how to interact with AI without prohibiting it right from the beginning.
All in all, the service-learning course was my favorite class so far, as it was, insightful, meaningful, and project-oriented. I loved every minute of it!
I would like to thank you for the great seminar! The seminar gave me a completely different insight into how a seminar can be successful and very positive, so that all students are motivated! It was a lot of fun to work in the seminar and it was super exciting to get in direct contact with the JWL students and to be…
I would like to thank you for the great seminar! The seminar gave me a completely different insight into how a seminar can be successful and very positive, so that all students are motivated! It was a lot of fun to work in the seminar and it was super exciting to get in direct contact with the JWL students and to be able to plan and implement projects directly!
Many thanks for that!
As a student previously involved in the institutionalization of Service Learning on a university-wide level, the "Service Learning at the Margins" course gave me the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge and practical application. Its innovative concept allowed us to engage directly with international students…
As a student previously involved in the institutionalization of Service Learning on a university-wide level, the "Service Learning at the Margins" course gave me the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge and practical application. Its innovative concept allowed us to engage directly with international students who voiced the need for video tutorials. As a result, we decided as a group to develop customized learning content. Not only was this collaboration enriching and fulfilling, but it also gave us the chance to make a tangible impact and improve our intercultural skills.
Participating in the Service Learning course demonstrated to me the value of international work and the importance of intercultural perspectives in education. Exposure to the unique experiences of marginalized students significantly expanded my understanding and also opened up career opportunities, as I have now been working on this project as a faculty member for two years.
This project has not only positively impacted my views on social responsibility, but has also reinforced my conviction that these types of educational activities should be increasingly integrated into higher education. As well as being fun, they offer valuable learning opportunities. Being involved with local and international students and lecturers has been one of the highlights of my academic career and will remain a lasting memory.
I had never felt so much interest and enthusiasm for a module before. Right from the start - from the lecture in the auditorium - I was hooked. That's why I asked several times about registering for the module. I literally devoured the information on the JWL website and the annual report that we received because I was…
I had never felt so much interest and enthusiasm for a module before. Right from the start - from the lecture in the auditorium - I was hooked. That's why I asked several times about registering for the module. I literally devoured the information on the JWL website and the annual report that we received because I was so interested and found the idea and vision of JWL overwhelming. I don't know myself like that; I've never had an experience like this before.
What has now happened through personal contact with Zamen, a JWL student, has far exceeded all my expectations. A first friendship has already developed and WhatsApp messages and pictures are exchanged on a daily basis.
Research Poster about the Seminar and the Cooperation with JWL
Contact
In case of questions, please contact the JWL-project coordinators Dr. Marina Tsoi und Maria Müller-Pulsfuß:
Dr.
Marina
Tsoi
Project and degree program coordinator JWL
Building
Ulmer Hof
|
Room: UH-109
Maria
Müller-Pulsfuß
Counselor for BA Religious Education; Project coordinator and online facilitator JWL
Building
Ulmer Hof
|
Room: UH-009