609 Safety-focused service learning: beyond the lecture

Background Service learning represents an educational method that integrates academic learning with community service. Through this approach, students actively participate in activities geared towards addressing community needs, simultaneously allowing them to apply and strengthen academic knowledge and skills. It surpasses conventional classroom learning by incorporating real-world experiences. Objectives Enhancing student learning by merging theoretical knowledge with practical real-world applications and fulfilling community needs through volunteer work that aligns students' expertise. Program Description The final year students of Bachelor of Technology in Occupational Safety and Health organized a community advocacy program focused on safety, which brought together university friends. The participants comprised students from various courses in the Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia and the National Youth Higher Skills Institute. The program featured a road safety talk. Ensuring road safety within university premises is paramount for the well-being of students and staff. University often bustling with pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, requires a comprehensive approach to minimize potential hazards. To promote the utilization of public transportation, specifically buses, within the Higher Education Hub zone, an exhibition has been coordinated. By addressing these aspects of road safety, universities can create an environment where all members of the community feel secure and can navigate the campus with confidence. In addition, a "Play and Learn" activity was organized by the final year students to provide basic knowledge on safety to the participants in an interactive form. Outcome and Learning This initiative created a win-win scenario for both the organizers and participants. The organizers gained valuable experiences beyond the classroom, enhancing their leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. Simultaneously, participants had the opportunity to acquire basic safety knowledge through enjoyable and interactive experiences in "Expl-OSH-race" activity. Implication Provide opportunities for students to interact with the university community and make a good impact on the community. Conclusion As future safety and health practitioners, engaging in this advocacy program could serve as a platform for students to develop their leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. This preparation will be valuable when educating workers in their future roles.