Locating and managing service-learning: A complex issue in higher education

Abstract

Within the broad theoretical context provided by debates on the South African
education reforms and the civic engagement agenda in higher education, this
article focuses on service learning in higher education and portrays complex
relationships between the service-learning office and different existing structures
within and outside the University of Technology. The article argues that such a web
of relationships could create confusion in terms of locating and managing servicelearning
in the university. The article demonstrates the interviewees' confusion with
regard to an ideal location for service learning in a merged University of
Technology, stimulates discussion and calls for guidance and sustainable partnerships
between the university and government departments that are responsible for
community development.

South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 20(4) 2006: pp.488-502