“My assets + their needs = my learning + their learning”: incorporating service learning into early childhood teacher education in South Korea

ABSTRACT

This study aims to expand dialogues on service learning and its applicability in early childhood (EC) teacher education programs. It consists of two parts: 1) self-studies of two courses and 2) students’ learning and difficulties from the courses. Each course was situated in different contexts and levels of EC teacher education programs in Seoul, South Korea, and the courses incorporated key elements of service learning into programs with different foci and strengths. Students in both courses reported that various course activities helped them discover a close link between their service and learning. Moreover, they shared three meaningful learning components: they could 1) encounter unfamiliar social issues and practice critical thinking, 2) acquire an in-depth understanding of young children and education, and 3) shift from passive to active learning. Yet, they also expressed a few specific difficulties and challenges. This study draws insights and lessons about the possibilities of incorporating service learning into EC teacher education programs; it also shows that key elements of service learning (authentic context, link to curriculum, reflection, and learning by doing) can be naturally integrated into courses within EC teacher education programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Service learning
• early childhood teacher education
• reflection
• dialogue

Notes

1. In the Korean teacher certificate system, there are two types of certificates in EC teacher education programs: Kindergarten Teaching Certificate (serving children aged 3 to 5 in kindergartens, focusing more on education) and Childcare Teaching Certificate (serving children aged 0 to 5 in childcare centers, focusing more on care). In general, graduates from EC education programs obtain both the Kindergarten Teaching Certificate and the Childcare Teaching Certificate (optional); graduates from child studies programs obtain the Childcare Teaching Certificate.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Seung Yeon Lee

Seung Yeon Lee, Ed. D., is a Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education, Ewha Womans University, Korea, and has interests on marginalised areas in early childhood education, such as infant educare and child welfare.

Hye Jun Park

Hye Jun Park, Ed. D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Child Development and Family Studies and in the Interdisciplinary Program in Early Childhood Education at Seoul National University. Her teaching and research interests focus on children with special needs and their families, parenting, caring and education.

Eul Jung Chun

Euljung Chun, Ph. D., is an Educational Consultant whose research interest is using service learning as a way to provide students with access to genenal education in authentic contexts.