On-campus service projects: an experiment in education for liberation

Abstract

This article describes an approach to service-learning based on Paulo Freire's model of education for liberation. On-campus Service Projects (OCSPs) differ markedly from typical service-learning assignments in two ways: (1) they take place in the students’ own college setting rather than out in the community; and (2) in my version, they challenge students to engage in critical thinking and acting (praxis) to transform “oppressive” situations within their institution. The article reviews Freire's pedagogical approach and details how it is implemented in OCSPs. Like all service-learning, the OCSP experience enables students to practice course-related skills (e.g., team building, project planning). More importantly, it gives students insights into the political reality of organizations, and makes them aware of their ability, collectively, to change that reality.

Keywords:

• service-learning
• education for liberation
• praxis
• Paulo Freire