Empowering students as community catalysts: a dive into synergized academic activities at the Department of Arabic Language and Literature
This paper explores the transformative potential of synergized academic activities in nurturing students to become solution-providers for community challenges. With an ever-increasing emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement in higher education, this paper introduces a novel pe...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Global Academic Excellence (M) Sdn Bhd (GAE)
2023
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/110297/1/110297_Empowering%20student%20as%20community%20catalysts.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/110297/ http://www.ijepc.com/PDF/IJEPC-2023-52-12-46.pdf |
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| Summary: | This paper explores the transformative potential of synergized academic
activities in nurturing students to become solution-providers for community
challenges. With an ever-increasing emphasis on social responsibility and
community engagement in higher education, this paper introduces a novel
pedagogical framework that integrates and aligns academic activities—such as
coursework, research projects, and service-learning—with community-based
problem-solving initiatives. The paper begins with a thorough examination of
the existing literature on community engagement, service-learning, and
experiential education, arguing for the need for a more unified and purposedriven approach. In response to this need, we propose the Synergized
Academic-Community Engagement Model (SACE Model). This model is
designed to scaffold students’ progression from theoretical understanding to
the practical application of knowledge and skills in real-world community
contexts. It does so by intertwining traditional academic activities with
targeted, sustainable community service projects that are co-designed with
community partners. The central part of the paper presents a series of case
studies that demonstrate the successful application of the SACE Model across
various disciplines and institutional contexts. These cases illustrate how
synergized academic activities can enable students to apply their skills and
knowledge directly towards addressing pressing community issues. The case
studies highlight not only the benefits accrued to the community but also the
profound learning outcomes and personal growth experienced by the students.
The findings reveal significant enhancements in students’ critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, civic engagement, and sense of social responsibility.
Additionally, our analysis shows that community partners perceive the
students’ contributions as valuable and that the projects lead to meaningful,
sustainable change. In conclusion, this paper argues that synergized academic
activities, designed with a focus on community engagement and problemsolving, offer a powerful strategy for preparing students to become active,
solution-oriented members of society. We contend that this approach
represents not just an educational strategy but a profound shift in the purpose
and practice of higher education towards a model of mutual benefit between
institutions of learning and the communities they serve. The paper ends with
practical recommendations for educators, administrators, and community
partners interested in adopting the SACE Model and contributing to its ongoing
refinement and dissemination. This paper contributes significantly to the
growing body of literature advocating for the deeper integration of community
engagement within the fabric of higher education, and it provides a replicable
and scalable model for achieving this integration effectively and sustainably.. |
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