Community engagement and service learning in a South African university: the challenges of adaptive leadership

Preece, J. (2013) Community engagement and service learning in a South African university: the challenges of adaptive leadership. South African Journal of Higher Education, 27(4), pp. 986-1004.

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Publisher's URL: http://www.sajhe.org.za/

Abstract

This article presents the preliminary findings of two community engagement (CE)/service learning case studies undertaken at a South African university. The following criteria were used for selecting the case studies: they were community needs-led; attracted a multidisciplinary team approach; and involved service learning (SL) students from different disciplines. The findings highlight the challenges of negotiating these three dimensions, and the perceived learning benefits for community, staff and student participants. The article draws on SL and CE literature which highlights the paucity of research regarding multidisciplinary engagement or the community voice in service learning projects. It frames its discussion around theories of community development, with reference to the concepts of adaptive leadership and collaboration. It concludes by stating that small-scale projects can demonstrate mutually beneficial outcomes for all partners but that communication and leadership are multi-layered, requiring university vigilance in relation to competing values and purposes.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Preece, Professor Julia
Authors: Preece, J.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education
Journal Name:South African Journal of Higher Education
Publisher:Taylor and Francis (Routledge)
ISSN:1011-3487
ISSN (Online):1753-5913
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