Perception of the service learning methodology in kinesiology students from a traditional chilean university

Abstract

Introduction: Service learning is an active methodology in which students apply their theoretical knowledge in real contexts for the benefit of the community and their own learning.
Objective: Evaluate from the perception of the student the implementation of service learning within the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción kinesiology career, specifically in the curricular activity called clinical practice.
Method: Mixed, cross-sectional and descriptive study. For data collection, a Likert-type satisfaction survey was used from the Centro de Innovación y Desarrollo Docente of the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, plus a semi-structural survey to obtain qualitative data. The sample comprised students participating in the implementation of the service learning methodology.
Results: Students show a high degree of satisfaction with the service learning methodology (approximately 80%). The lowest satisfaction 67.9% was observed in the aspect referred to the implementation of the servicelearning methodology. Students perceive having been able to identify their role as kinesiologists by working in real contexts.
Conclusions: Service learning positively impacts student learning and benefits the community. The service learning is an active methodology that is recommended to be implemented within the curricula of the kinesiology career since it also allows learning in a real context to develop the values and principles of the  institution.