THE ROLE OF SERVICE LEARNING IN FOSTERING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILD

Abstract

Primary Education aims to develop the basis for permanent literacy, numeracy, reflective thinking, sound character and ability to adapt to the changing environment among children aged 6 to 11 plus. It is the key to success or failure of the educational system. Service learning is essential in the teaching and learning process in primary schools. It is aform of experiential education where learning occurs through a series of actions in a real-world context. This will help learners deepen their classroom learning experience through impactful community services and also provide a deeper connection to class content by encouraging learners to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world setting. This paper attempts to highlight the role of service learning in fostering critical thinking skills in learners. Relevant recommendations were made.