Service-learning as an innovative and useful teaching method for tourism studies

Abstract

This paper explores two emerging issues in tourism education: sustainability and studentcentered service learning. The concept of sustainability referring to strategies for maintaining economic, social/cultural, and environmental viability of a business or location, is relevant in any economic sector. However, sustainability is even more important in the tourism sector because tourism is a primary revenue generator in 83% of the countries of the world. Additionally, implementation of sustainable practices in tourism can be a vehicle for educating many cultures around the world in the concept of sustainability. Nowadays, the concept of sustainability is infrequently addressed in by educational institutions offering degrees in tourism studies. However, to meet the needs society, companies, and future generations of tourism managers and professionals, educators must address this important issue as it applies to tourism development. Student-centered service learning methodologies are needed in European and also American Education Institutions to help the students develop the competecences they need in a changing labor market. Service learning accomplishes two goals: 1) educating students for their profession and 2) preparing them to be engaged, ethical citizens (Flannery and Pragman 2008). The use of service learning in business curriculum has become more common since mid 1990’s and is actively supported by business educators who believe that it not only does furthers the mission of the universities to develop students’ business skills, use critical thinking, and ability to solve problems in authentic situations, but also infuses social responsibility and ethics (Flannery and Progman, 2008). One of the basic constituents of service learning is that it occurs within a community with other students and community partners. Another important feature of service learning is that it can include a variety of teaching methodologies such as class lectures, discussion, assigned readings, independent research, collaborative projects, and reflections (Cook, 2008). Considering the benefits of student-centered service learning and the need to prepare tourism professionals with a clear understanding of the concept of sustainability, the purpose of this presentation is to outline the process of designing and implementing curriculum. Examples of student-centered service learning courses with a focus on sustainability will be provided.