Factors affecting the success of service-learning : a reflection on introducing service-learning programmes in university curriculum

Service-learning is regarded as one of major endeavours to inspire students through practising their professional knowledge in the forms of voluntary service, and in turn, feedback to their conceptual knowledge. In this paper, I am going to identify factors affecting students’ consideration and participation in service-learning programmes at the University of Macau. I will report findings drawn from in-depth interviews with sociology students who attended the Practicum course in 2012/13, and other students in residential college. Influences brought up by peers, family, personal aspiration, and prior schooling experiences are key to the success of service-learning. Ambivalent role of general social culture of Macao on service-learning will also be discussed