Utilizing Drama Process and Social Service Learning to Enhance Lifelong Learner among Private University Students

Abstract

       This research aimed to develop a process for enhancing the characteristics of lifelong learning attributes among students in private university by utilizing the concepts of drama for learning and social service learning. A mixed methods research design was employed, combining document analysis and in-depth interviews with faculty members from private universities and experts in lifelong learning, using purposive sampling to identify participants. This process led to the identification of key characteristics of lifelong learners in the context of private university. In-depth interviews were also conducted with experts in service-learning and drama-based learning, also selected through purposive sampling. These informed the development of an integrated approach using both drama and social service learning methods. An action research study was then conducted with six volunteer students from a private university. Research tools included pre- and post-assessment questionnaires designed with a rating scale, analyzed using the Wilcoxon t-test, along with focus group discussion recordings to capture changes in participants. The findings revealed that the essential characteristics of lifelong learners among private university students included: the ability to live harmoniously in a diverse society, possessing a global perspective, managing multiple dimensions of life, being self-directed learners, acting as thought leaders and change agents, and understanding the processes of learning itself. The approach integrating drama and service-learning consisted of five main stages: (1) equipping students with tools for learning and drama, (2) conducting community fieldwork to identify local needs, (3) creating theatrical performances based on real community issues, (4) staging performances to foster shared experiences, and (5) summarizing and evaluating the learning outcomes from the drama creation process. The evaluation of the drama process and social service learning utilization revealed that students developed all targeted characteristics of lifelong learners of private university students.