A Qualitative Study of Interdisciplinary Cooperation on Computer and English: A Case Study of Aletheia University Participated in International Volunteer Service Learning to Inner Mongolia

Shu-Chin Su () and Tzong-Heng Chi
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Shu-Chin Su: Aletheia University
Tzong-Heng Chi: Aletheia University

Systemic Practice and Action Research, 2016, vol. 29, issue 5, No 5, 485-516

Abstract: Abstract This action research encompasses both descriptive and prescriptive treatment of the process and outcomes of an international and interdisciplinary volunteer service learning project. The project was held in a Junior High School in Suniteyou, Xilingol League in Inner Mongolia. The descriptive, qualitative aspect captures the reflections and thoughts of volunteer-service students. Sample participants include two teachers and fourteen students (five from the department of English, and nine from Information Management) from Aletheia University. It is found that service learning provides benefits to both service providers and service receivers. The target student population benefited from improved motivation and enhanced educational resources. Simultaneously, volunteer students (service providers) received numerous benefits, such as (1) mutually beneficial interaction with students from other departments, in conjunction with help from the teachers; (2) positive spillover effects from the service receiver students’ learning enthusiasm; (3) expanded knowledge base through an active and effective task-based project (4) in conjunction with guided reflection, the project promoted positive attitudes, critical thinking and self-growth (5) experience that fosters professionalism; (6) happiness through accomplishing goals and helping others. The researchers also observed a number of problems during the service and the interdisciplinary cooperation. Even though the results showed that service provider students’ learning effectiveness developed after participating the interdisciplinary cooperation; the study also discusses the interdisciplinary cooperation on students’ impact and how interdisciplinary cooperation helped the volunteer students. Finally, this study provides many prescriptive observations for improvement. It is hoped that this study will promote the practice of offering service-learning opportunities in higher education to influence and encourage students to become active participants in society.

Keywords: Interdisciplinary cooperation; International volunteer service learning; Action research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s11213-016-9375-6

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