Theory Of Service Learning And Its Application To TEFL In China-A Pilot Study

This thesis studies the status quo and potentialities of the application of Service Learning to the supplement and improvement of TEFL in China.Originated in America,Service Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates community service with academic instruction and structured reflection in such a way that students gain further understanding of course content,meet genuine community needs,develop career-related skills,and become responsible citizens. Since the 1980s,service learning influences more and more universities and colleges around the world,especially in the UK,Canada,Australia and other western countries. In Asia,not only service learning conferences have been held,but also practices of service learning have been carried out for years in many universities.English education in China has been criticized for failing to meet communication need as well as failing to prepare college graduates to meet the rigors of social life. The present study combined the quantitative and the qualitative research to investigate the possibility and effectiveness of service learning mode in TEFL education in Chinese universities in debt to the former theoretical fruits on service learning,second language acquisition and English teaching at home and abroad.An eight-week long empirical study was undertaken.The tests and reflections respectively provided quantitative and qualitative evidence of effectiveness of the new pedagogy on increasing the subjects' self confidence and motivation.The quantitative data showed that students made significant progress after they participated in service learning.The comparison between pre-test and post-test and the reflections provided us with a way to better EFL class.The qualitative data further confirms that learners with service learning experience regulate their learning more successfully and such kind of practice can raise students' awareness of citizenship.