Evaluating the Perceived Benefits of Volunteerism-based Learning in English Language Preparatory Programs

This research study proposes curriculum for a community project, and subsequently evaluates its effectiveness in achieving the language learning and non-language learning goals of one English preparatory program in Istanbul,... [ view full abstract ]

This research study proposes curriculum for a community project, and subsequently evaluates its effectiveness in achieving the language learning and non-language learning goals of one English preparatory program in Istanbul, Turkey. Students are introduced to the ideas of volunteerism and engaged in the topic by discovering how they can empower communities themselves. They then choose a target community and follow a systematic process to plan and implement their project to maximize impact in helping that target community. The curriculum is designed to promote periodic discussion throughout the semester and to monitor the progress of their project’s goals. A qualitative analysis will be conducted to discover how well the principles and practices of volunteering were embedded into their classrooms, and how these created motivation and relevance in their English language learning. It will also analyze and discuss the validity of other arguments advocating volunteerism-based learning, such as the development of personal and interpersonal skills, the fostering of civic responsibility and citizenship (both within their community and within the school), and any other by-products perceived to be value added to the individual students.

Volunteerism in project based learning is having a profound impact on many communities throughout the city, as well as on students themselves. My goal now is to take what we've done and spread it to other programs similar to... [ view full abstract ]

Volunteerism in project based learning is having a profound impact on many communities throughout the city, as well as on students themselves. My goal now is to take what we've done and spread it to other programs similar to our own to amplify the impact it has had.