Service Learning
On September 8 of 2015 in Kazakhstan press-club was press-conference on the topic: “Firstly in Kazakhstan: introduction of the new discipline for students”.
From the first September of 2015 Almaty Management University (earlier IAB) introduced the new discipline “Service Learning” in the educational program of the 1st year bachelor students of all specialties, in the frames of which students are learned how to serve the society and apply all their knowledge in practice, working in nursing homes, homes for disable people and other social organizations. Introduction of this course fits in with the politics of the University, which strives for preparing qualified specialists of the business sphere, who deeply understand their civil responsibility in front of society.
About the reasons of appearance of this discipline in Kazakhstan exactly now, about the methods of its introduction, and what results are expected after its implementation – told participants of the press-conference:
- Nurlan Sydykov, Head of the Youth politics issues’ of department of Almaty city;
- Assylbek Kozhakhmetov, president of Almaty Management University;
- Assylbek Nurgabdeshov, Dean of the Faculty of General Education of Almaty Management University;
“Service Learning” method was based on learning from the experience of social-useful activities.
Firstly, “Service Learning” programme was developed and tested in the USA. Then it was spread in Argentina, Chile and some other countries of Europe. Until today subject “Service Learning” did not exist in Kazakhstan, and in fact the introduction of this discipline is really innovative step for AlmaU in the formation of students’ social experience in servicing society, education of future entrepreneurs’ humanity and moral values.
“Service Learning” discipline in AlmaU is conducted during 1 semester in amount of 2 educational credits (about 75 hours per educational group). Students will attend lectures and practical lessons, and then deepen their knowledge in different social organizations, carrying out social-useful work for others. In result, students will be able to get an opportunity to understand received experience of social-useful activities and demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills.
The introduction of such a discipline in one of the best business universities of the country is already supported by city akimat, many social organizations.
