Service Learning in the initial Physical Education teachers training: Reflections and practical examples

Abstract

Service Learning is a pedagogical model that seeks to contribute to society by meeting a need in the community. This model is closely related to Physical Education and Sports Science due to the personal interactions that take place during the practice of physical activity and sport. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present the experiences of university Service-Learning projects carried out in the degrees of Sports Science and Primary Education with a major in Physical Education. Six university Service-Learning projects related to the practice of physical activity and healthy habits in different contexts are shown. The projects reviewed have shown that the use of this methodology contributes to improving students' autonomy and ability to make decisions, as well as favouring interpersonal and interpersonal development because of this methodology. It has also been observed that students who experience this methodology are more supportive and cooperative. These findings reinforce the importance of the Service-Learning methodology in contributing to the integral development of students. It would therefore be interesting to include this methodology during teacher training to promote understanding of this methodology so that they can apply it in their future as teachers.