Service Learning; A Means for the Holistic Development of Malaysian Higher Education Students

Service learning as a core course or supplementary course in institutions of learning gives an avenue for students to take part in the development of their communities. Knowledge from the course content is integrated into the development of the community. This study aims to discover the impact of service-learning on students’ holistic development. Using a qualitative exploratory research method, the data gathered were analyzed to generate themes. Findings showed the service-learning influenced every aspect of the students’ development; social learning and moral physiognomies development. Students became more responsible towards civic activities, developed good financial management, more critical in; creativity, thinking skills as well as in their problemsolving ability. Adoption of service learning as an instructional medium can enable the holistic development of students in Malaysia.