Embracing Service-Learning: A Collaborative Journey Toward Transformative Higher Education

Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on New Trends in Teaching and Education

Year: 2026

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Embracing Service-Learning: A Collaborative Journey Toward Transformative Higher Education

Dr. Anabela Alves, Celina P. Leao, Filomena Soares, Silvia Araujo

ABSTRACT:

This abstract presents a collaborative pedagogical journey that began in the 2023/24 academic year, when a team of professors integrated service-learning into curricular activities as an active learning methodology to strengthen the connection between higher education, students, and community needs. The initiative aimed to redesign learning experiences by aligning academic outcomes with real social challenges developed in partnership with external organizations. Through this process, students were encouraged to apply disciplinary knowledge in authentic contexts while developing transversal competencies such as civic responsibility, critical thinking, teamwork, empathy, communication, and problem-solving. At the same time, the initiative became a professional development opportunity for the teaching team, fostering peer collaboration, pedagogical reflection, and continuous improvement. The implementation involved several challenges such as definition of suitable community projects, alignment with learning outcomes, assessment design, partner engagement, and long-term sustainability. These challenges were supported by Minds in Reflective Action with AI (MIRA-AI), an AI-based framework designed to assist reflection, planning, and improvement in Service-Learning practices. The experience highlights the potential of Service-Learning to promote more participatory, socially relevant, and transformative learning environments. Beyond its value as a teaching methodology, Service-Learning emerged as a shared commitment to responsible education, community engagement, and pedagogical innovation. The journey initiated in 2023/24 continues to inspire new practices, partnerships, and possibilities for transformative higher education through collaborative and socially engaged learning.

Keywords: Active learning methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Community partnerships, Reflective Practice, Social Innovation