Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 12. Number2 June 2021 Pp. 377-398
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no2.26
Service-learning in English as a Second Language Teacher Training Program: Exploring Pre-
service Teachers’ Authentic Learning Experiences
Fetylyana Nor Pazilah
Faculty of Education
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Corresponding Author: fetylyananor@gmail.com
Harwati Hashim
Faculty of Education
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Melor Md Yunus
Faculty of Education
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Received: 2/25/2021 Accepted: 6/18/2021 Published: 6/24/2021
Abstract:
As the world we live in has become more digitalized, challenges are occurring left and right, especially in the education field. In gaining quality teachers, there is a need to train future educators to have the ability to adapt to the ever-changing technology and global changes. However, pre-service teachers often seem unprepared and unable to adapt to changes. Hence, implementing service-learning in the teacher training program is vital as it provides the opportunity to engage and experience 21st-century real classroom lessons. Service-learning has also been proven to be an effective approach in training pre-service teachers. This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of pre-service teachers toward service-learning in terms of authentic learning experiences. It highlights how the implementation of service-learning approach in learning to teach writing in a second language context facilitates pre-service teachers in terms of authentic experience. A qualitative method was conducted to investigate the authentic learning experiences among 54 pre-service teachers in a public university in Malaysia. Data were collected through open-ended questions. Based on this study, the findings showed that the pre-service teachers could experience the real-life environment of teaching and learning and applying educational theories learned. They were also able to obtain hands-on experience in interacting with the students and marking their sample essays. It is hoped that future teachers and educational organizations can benefit from understanding the benefits of service-learning in teacher training programs. Future researchers could investigate the challenges of service-learning in teacher training programs.
Keywords: English as a second language, authentic learning experience, digital knowledge, pedagogical knowledge,
pre-service teachers, teachers training, service-learning
Cite as: (2021). Service-learning in English as a Second Language Teacher Training Program: Exploring Pre-service Teachers’ Authentic Learning Experiences. Arab World English Journal, 12 (2) 377-398.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no2.26
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