Perceived values of service-learning: a study on students engaged in a fashion-related programme

• Published in: International journal of fashion design, technology and education technology and education, 2018-09, Vol.11 (3), p.375-383
• Main Authors: Lai, Charlotte Sze-yeung, Hui, Patrick Chi-leung
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aptitudes; Colleges & universities; Factor analysis; Fashion; fashion programme; Learning; learning outcomes; Polls & surveys; Service learning; student development; Students
• ISSN: 1754-3266; 1754-3274
• DOI: 10.1080/17543266.2018.1448463

This study investigates the value of a service-learning (SL) programme brought to university students through the assessment of the various aspects of its participants' learning outcomes. A full-sample questionnaire survey was conducted among the students enrolled in a fashion-related SL programme. The results identified four areas of learning outcomes through the use of exploratory factor analysis: professional/intellectual competency, communication/social skills, personal aptitude, and social/civic responsibility. The high rating for each factor indicates that the students highly value the learning gains and consider their participation in the programme to be beneficial not only to their personal, social, and professional development, but also their awareness of social/civic responsibility. As this is one of a few research studies with focus on fashion-related discipline, the findings augment our understanding of fashion students' views regarding the value of SL, and in turn provide useful information for other programme organizers to design and implement similar programmes.