Service Learning: An Innovative Approach in Agricultural Higher Education

Due to make the agricultural graduates of agriculture collegue, employable at Razi University in an innovative approach, introducing service learning approach as an alternative was used. For a one credit hour course during spring semester 89-90 by fourteen students volunteered to participate in service learning project. This study used action research as a qualitative research paradigm to follow up on the service learning project. Results revealed that students gained positive attitude towards service learning project. The opportunity to gain handson experience, improved communication skills, civic responsibility, and empowerment were among the educational implications for students. The employer who received the service learning project was satisfied with the outcome. Result of this study has implications for higher agricultural education system. Service learning project used in this study can be replicated in other colleges of agriculture throughout the country.