The Useof Service -Learning in Promoting the Sense of Civic Responsibility in Grade 5 Pupils of Carasuchi Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The researchers believe that service -learning is a promising pedagogy that has the potential to provide young people not only the knowledge but also to the development of responsible and active citizens. This action research explores the effect of service-learning participation on Grade V pupils who participated in a service-learning program have a higher sense of civic responsibility than their peers who did not participate in a service-learning program.

METHODS

This research was a quasi-experimental comparative group study involving a treatment group and a comparison group. The comparison group is composed of 13 pupils who did not participate in a service-learning program. This study was utilized through a pre-test –post-test civic responsibility survey instrument. The treatment or the service-learning program was conducted for two -hours twice a week for a period of two months. Service Learning program that was offered to the treatment group were the following: (1) Conduct of neighborhood cleanup/beautification days in a selected purok; (2) Go on a field trip to the nearby community to plant and/or propagate trees and learn about local wildlife; (3) Help and assist senior citizens in the barangay; (4) Introduce pupils to a Filipino/local personality who have made a positive difference in the community/society; and (5) Assist in the feeding program initiated by the barangay.

RESULTS

Reject the null hypothesis as the computed p value=0.005 is lower than our significance level of 0.05. thus, there is a difference between lecture method and service learning. The sense of civic responsibility has a greater effect on learners who undergone the service-learning method than lecturing method as it is shown on their computed variance, learners on service-learning method differ with 0.02.

DISCUSSIONS

In addition, service-learning participants in comparison with other students developed basic citizenship skillssuch as the ability to express an opinion, to speak in public, to organize groups and they are able to think critically about simple issues in the community.