Implementation of Service Learning in the Chemistry Classroom: A Colombian Experience

摘要

Service-learning methodology makes a connection between student classroom learning and the application of knowledge to solve community needs. The present study was carried out with the Universidad Auto?noma de Occidente (Colombia) community by environmental engineering students enrolled in a Chemistry 2 course. The students helped the Universidad Autonoma de Occidente community reinforce criteria for separating solid waste generated in the cafeteria. To carry out this project, the students had to appropriate concepts from the chemistry course such as functional groups, types of polymers, and the biodegradation process of materials and its relation to the principles of solid waste separation. Once the concepts were learned, students developed strategies to guide the community in the correct separation of solid waste using a simple vocabulary so that people unfamiliar with chemistry could understand and apply the concepts. The project positively impacted student learning and promoted personal satisfaction as a result of performing useful service and using their knowledge to solve a real worldwide problem.