'Students Start Seeing the Connection between the Knowledge They Gain and Real Life'
From next year, students of the Bachelor's programme 'Political Science and World Politics' will be able to develop their skills of project activities in a specialised seminar and in the course of projects based on the method of 'project service learning'. Magdalena Gaete, a head of the Laboratory for Reputation Management in Education (RepLab), will deliver the project seminar and coordinate projects. We talked to Prof Gaete about what students should expect from the programme and why participation in projects is useful.
— Magdalena, now, people talk more often about such a teaching method as 'project service learning'. Such activities in particular will be offered to the participants of a new project—Political Science Honours. Could you tell us what 'service learning' is and why students should participate in such projects?
— This is a method which combines academic training and service to the community. Students participate in projects that help society to solve up-to-date problems and at the same time put into practice and deepen their academic knowledge and skills.
When RepLab started engaging in the methodology of 'project service learning' in 2021, I realised that this approach could radically change the students' perception of the surrounding world. Service learning not only enriches the traditional educational process by adding a practical element and extra motivation for students but also develops a deeper understanding of their role in society. It happens due to the implementation of the project focused on improving the lives of local communities.
Participation in such projects may be very helpful for students for numerous reasons. Firstly, it helps students to develop their skills: both communicative and organisational, an ability to work in a team and think critically. Secondly, in the course of the projects, students implement the knowledge that they received during classes. It helps to understand the educational material better and its meaning for solving the tasks beyond university walls. Thirdly, the projects will contribute to the development of students' civil awareness and social responsibility. Students can see how their work influences society and how they can use their skills and knowledge to improve people's lives. Finally, participation in such projects can help students to prepare for their future careers. Many skills, which they develop during service learning such as project management and communication, are in demand in various spheres and professions.
Thus, service learning in the form of a project is a powerful educational tool which can enrich the students' academic experience and prepare them for their successful careers and active civil life.
— Magdalena, from the next year, you will deliver 'Project Seminar' in the Bachelor's programme 'Political Science and World Politics'. Could you tell us what this course is about?
— 'Project Seminar' is a course focused on the development of students' practical skills and the implementation of their theoretical knowledge in real projects in the social sphere. It starts with teaching project management where students explore the concepts of planning, resource management, risk management and monitoring of project performance. Then, they move on to implementing their own projects using the methods of collecting and analysing data to justify their offers and solutions.
The main part of the course will be devoted to working on real social projects. The students will work in teams to solve a specific problem and develop a new idea or strategy. The key moment will be a presentation of the projects. It will allow students to get feedback and also learn how to answer questions and criticism. Finally, an important aspect is self-reflection when students analyse the process of their education and development to understand their strengths and spheres which require further improvement. Thus, the project seminar helps students to develop their skills of project management, research and team interaction and also allows them to put theoretical knowledge into practice.
— What main skills does participation in projects develop, in your opinion?
— Participation in service learning projects can develop lots of skills and competencies. First of all, it improves communicative skills as the participants have to interact with other project members and representatives of the local communities successfully. Besides, projects provide practical implementation and extension of theoretical knowledge. The participants can put their theoretical knowledge into practice and see how they work in real conditions. It includes the skills of problem-solving, analysis and critical thinking.
Service learning projects also develop project management and organisational skills. The participants learn to plan and manage projects, manage time and resources, and coordinate the teamwork. Finally, participation in such projects underscores the importance of civil consciousness and social responsibility. The participants develop empathy and understanding of social problems and realise what contribution they can make to society. Such an understanding can become a valuable resource for personal and professional development.
The students start seeing the connection between the knowledge they gain and real life and realise that their actions can significantly influence the surrounding world. This process encourages the development of responsibility, empathy and civil activism. As a result, service learning helps students to become more mindful, active and responsible members of society who can use their knowledge and skills for positive change.
— What does the project’s success depend on, to your mind? What factors become determinative most frequently?
— The project’s success depends on many factors. One of the most important is the clear identification of goals and expectations. The understanding of a project's goal and what is expected from it is crucially important for its successful completion. It helps to form a roadmap of the project and allows all the participants to clearly understand what they strive for.
Next, effective resources and time management is another key factor. The project’s success often depends on how effectively the available resources and time are used. It includes the skills of prioritising tasks, delegating responsibility and following the deadlines.
Besides, teamwork and communication are of significant importance. An ability to work in a team, communicate effectively and solve conflicts can influence the outcome of the project greatly. Finally, flexibility and the ability to adapt to changes is also important. While the project is being implemented, there might be unexpected problems or changes, so the ability to adapt quickly and solve such problems can become a key factor for success.
— In which professions can the skills of project activities can be helpful for graduates?
— The skills of project activities can be helpful for graduates in various spheres. They are so-called 'soft' skills which are valuable in many areas and professions.
They will be especially useful for project management in any sphere: from consulting and strategic planning to IT and marketing. It will assist future researchers in managing their research projects and cooperating with other members of the academic community. The skills of project activities are also helpful for entrepreneurs and heads of start-ups who are to lead projects and teams often under the conditions of uncertainty and limited resources.
In general, the skills of project activities are very appreciated in the modern labour world and can come in handy in various professions. Moreover, they can help a person to perform tasks successfully and implement ideas in any sphere of life.