A Study of Early Childhood Education Students' Participation in International Volunteer Service at a Northern Thailand Elementary School

• Main Authors: Liu,Yu-Wen, 劉郁汶
• Other Authors: Wei,Mei-Hew
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/80842802400070627310

碩士 === 國立臺中教育大學 === 幼兒教育學系碩士班 === 100 === The purpose of this study focuses on three Early Childhood Education students and their motivation for participating in volunteer service, service experience, personal growth and reflections, as well as their understanding of the teaching environment at the Northern Thailand Shin-Shin Elementary School. Through retrospect and review of the experience gathered from interviews, collection of pertinent documentation, and reflective journals from each of the three participating students, an overall analysis study was conducted for this study. The results are as follows: 1. Each volunteer had different reasons and initial intentions for participating in international volunteer service. Motivations include benefiting for oneself and for others, personal growth and achievement, and to build social relations. 2. While contributing as volunteers, the students were each able to realize their personal shortcomings and areas for improvement, leading to efforts for self-enhancement, overcoming challenges, taking initiatives, and appreciation for what they have. These learning experiences came about as a direct result of participating in the international volunteer service, adding to each student's respective lives. 3. From the volunteer service, the students were able to mold their minds and inner self to realize the importance of self examination, serving others, and providing assistance to benefit society and the environment. Thus, allowing each student to add new values their respective lives. 4. Through the volunteer service, the students were able to witness and understand the extent of the difficult circumstances Shin-Shin Elementary School operates under. This includes shortage of funds, socioeconomic difficulties, and how the children at the school are learning in an underprivileged environment. 5. The students offered Shin-Shin Elementary various ways to improve the school experience for the young children, including aesthetic changes to the school's environment through the use of decorations, developing classes that involve a more active learning process, and the use of more teaching tools and resources. The findings and results of this study can be used as recommendation and reference for any future students wanting to participate in international volunteer services. Each of the three participating students in this study has a renewed sense of self examination and motivation moving forward, cherishing every opportunity to serve others, and ultimately leading even more meaningful lives than before.