Service-learning in higher education: a systematic review of its implementation and competence development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21703/rexe.v24i56.3263Keywords:
Service-learning, Competencies, Professional training, Higher educationAbstract
Service-learning is an emerging methodology that combines academic teaching with the implementation of community projects, fostering meaningful learning and competence development. To analyze the implementation of service-learning in higher education and its contribution to competence development through a scoping review approach according to the PRISMA model. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines in the Web of Science, Scopus and Scielo databases. Four key types of competencies were explored: personal, vocational and professional, citizenship and social transformation, and interpersonal—which are fundamental to the career success of university students. The research also highlighted the importance of methodologies such as case studies and integrative analysis to assess their impact. It concluded that it is essential to implement strategies that prepare students for today's complex and dynamic work environments, with the Service-Learning (ApS) methodology being a promising tool for enhancing soft skills and fostering resilience and inclusion. Ultimately, the identification of these skills will serve as a basis for designing more effective teaching methods and tools that strengthen the comprehensive training of students.
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