A model of service-learning implementation: case of Ukrainian Catholic University

Abstract

Service-learning (SL) is a relatively new approach for the Ukrainian education system. The Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) became the first in Ukraine to introduce it at the institutional level. The organization of this process requires a transparent methodology and algorithm for implementation. In this study, we consider the institutional performance of SL at UCU from the standpoint of innovation management in the educational process. The paper’s objective is to describe the SL model implementation at the UCU based on the analysis of the carried-out optimizing processes. The classic problem-based approach with interactive research and design-based research were applied to develop the model. Furthermore, the description of the results uses a process-oriented methodology as the most appropriate for the current and future research work. The success of the SL approach implementation is partly due to the technical part by which it is about the design of the work process and the internal culture of the HEI. The groups of stakeholders involved in designing and adopting the SL model and pedagogy are foundational in the applied case of the process-oriented methodology. The final goal was to identify the areas with the most significant opportunities for improvement when implementing SL in the HEI. The model of implementation of SL in the HEI, presented in this study, was created on the business process mapping principles and can be valuable for other educational institutions that want to implement this approach.