Service-Learning Teacher Development Course 2026: Certificate in Service-Learning Pedagogy and Practice

Highlights

• Fundamental Principles and Theories
• Pedagogical Project Design
• Research-Based Findings
• Case Studies Sharing
• Onsite Experience in Manila
• Project Proposal Development

About the Course

Service-Learning (SL) is an experiential learning approach that combines community service with academic study and reflection to nurture students empathy and social responsibility. This course is tailored for educators and practitioners at the higher education level. Face-to-face components will be held in Manila, the Philippines, from 5-9 January 2026. A PolyU Continuing Education certificate will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the course.

Course Components

• E-Learning module and concept test
• Face-to-face lectures, seminars, and on-site visits (40 hours)
• Design your own SL program with professional feedback

What Will You Learn?

• General principles and theories of academic SL
• SL and other forms of community-engaged experiential learning
• High-impact pedagogical factors, potential pitfalls, and risks
• Designing effective SL programs
• Assessing student performance and facilitating reflection
• Research and evaluation of SL programs

On-Site Service-Learning Project Visits

• AI education workshop for primary school students
• Vision screening for the community
• Health promotion and assessment for elderly with cognitive impairment

Eligibility

• Bachelors degree awarded by a recognised institution
• Priority will be given to teaching/academic staff at higher education institutions

Course Fee

USD 500, including course fee and materials. Participants who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for financial aid upon satisfactory completion of the course.

Key Dates

• Information session (online): 10 Oct 2025 (Fri) 3:00-4:00pm HKT
• Course registration deadline: 17 Nov 2025 (Mon) 11:59pm HKT
• Admission results: 21 Nov 2025 (Fri)
• E-Learning & self-study: Starting from 25 Nov 2025 (Tue)
• Face-to-face component in Manila: 5-9 Jan 2026 (Mon to Fri)

Why Choose PolyU?

With over a decade of development, PolyUs SL has grown from 6 subjects and 200 students in 2012 to over 60 subjects and more than 4,500 students annually now. Service projects have expanded beyond Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland to countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Rwanda, Vietnam, Tanzania, and The Philippines. These projects improve the lives of people in need and inspire students to become responsible professionals and global citizens.

Award-Winning Excellence

• Silver Winner of the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2024
• Winner of THE Awards Asia 2022: Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year
• 2020 International Research Award from the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE)

About the Instructors

Professor Grace Ngai and Professor Stephen Chan have been instrumental in integrating SL into PolyUs curriculum, expanding projects globally, and pioneering innovative pedagogical practices.

Innovative Pedagogical Practices Pioneered

• Multicultural student teams through partnerships with local NGOs
• Service-learning exchange and internship programs
• Global SL classroom, allowing PolyU students and their overseas peers to:
  • Attend the same lectures via video conferencing
  • Develop project ideas collaboratively
  • Implement projects together in person at the service location

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

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Overview:

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public research university located in Hong Kong. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong reputation in various fields, particularly engineering, design, and technology.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Teaching and Learning:

PolyU emphasizes a broad-based curriculum for holistic academic development, incorporating work-integrated education, service-learning, student exchange programs, and leadership programs.

Faculties and Schools:

PolyU has eight faculties and schools, offering a diverse range of academic programs.

Graduate School:

The university provides research postgraduate studies and a graduate school for further academic pursuits.

Admissions:

PolyU offers information on university rankings, student stories, and details about programs, tuition fees, and scholarships.

Research:

PolyU boasts a strong research focus, with various research centers, facilities, and initiatives, including the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Mainland Research Institutes.

Knowledge Transfer:

The university promotes innovation and technology development, technology transfer and commercialization, entrepreneurship, and showcases success stories.

Global:

PolyU fosters an international community, offers global perspectives in academic programs, and engages in international collaborations and partnerships.

Campus Life:

PolyU provides a vibrant campus life with opportunities for athletics and recreation, art and culture, and living on campus with access to counseling, wellness services, clinics, housing, and dining options.

About PolyU:

The university provides information about its motto, vision, mission, key facts, university identity, history, leadership, governance, organizations, and a campus map.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

PolyU offers a dynamic campus experience with a focus on applied learning and practical skills development. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, engage in research opportunities, and benefit from the university's international connections. The campus provides a supportive environment with access to counseling, wellness services, and housing options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Reputation:

PolyU is recognized for its high-quality education and research, particularly in engineering, design, and technology.

Applied Learning:

The university emphasizes practical skills development and work-integrated education, preparing students for real-world careers.

International Focus:

PolyU fosters a global community and offers opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic campus experience with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.

Research Opportunities:

PolyU offers extensive research facilities and opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

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Academic Programs:

PolyU offers a wide range of academic programs across its eight faculties and schools, including:

Business:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management

Construction and Environment:

Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management

Design:

Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interior Design

Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Fashion and Textiles:

Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing

Health:

Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Hospitality:

Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts

Humanities:

Languages, Literature, History, Philosophy

Science:

Applied Biology, Chemistry, Physics

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Other: