Service-Learning to embed real democracy and civic engagement in European higher education
Topic: Embedding values of democracy and civic engagement within European Higher Education through policy recommendations
Project timeline: 1/02/2022-31/02/2022
Objectives:
- To raise awareness among European policymakers and relevant stakeholders so that they translate their political vision into programs and actions that promote real democracy and civic engagement through the use of service-learning.
- To set a framework to facilitate the institutionalization of the service-learning pedagogy in European higher education.
Project Description
Europe is facing important challenges, indicating a Europe where university engagement or involvement with society is needed more than ever before. For this, Europe needs pedagogical tools that promote values such as social justice, commitment, cooperation, and solidarity, that contribute to the education of reflective citizens and professionals with critical thinking. Managed properly, the service-learning pedagogy can make a valuable contribution to student employability, national prosperity and the growth of a functioning democracy.
This project aimed to embed service-learning in European higher education with the purpose of making a significant contribution to a peaceful, just and democratic society in challenging times, and fostering civic engagement that encompasses democratic processes and purposes. Hence, EASLHE advocates the creation of a framework that will facilitate European higher education institutions to focus on the education of democratically-minded and socially committed students.
Partners
- European Association of Service-Learning in Higher Education (EASLHE)
- Asociación de Aprendizaje-Servicio Universitario (ApSU)
Outputs
Consultation process
As part of the project, EASLHE organized an extensive consultation process to involve stakeholders in the development of the policy recommendations and the Green Paper. During this consultation process, focus group and survey data were collected from EASLHE members.
