Whole-Person Education Through an Integrated Silliman University Nutrition and Dietetics ServiceLearning Program

Abstract

The education of the whole person is education for total human development. While the BSND curriculum is aligned with the
competency-based standards, it is also aligned with the WPE approach of the University. This paper discusses how the SUND S-L program strengthened the students’ competence, character, and faith – attributes of Silliman University’s Whole-Person Education approach. This qualitative-descriptive design follows the implementation of the S-L program of SUND. Pre S-L activities were conducted, such as an S-L seminar and workshop on journal-writing. Following their exposure in the partner community, guided student reflections were performed, and students’ responses were processed. Results of the thematic review of the
students’ reflections showed that students found the experience to have elevated their learning and appreciated the concepts, principles, and the application of the skills in nutrition and dietetics in real-world situations. The students felt that they were more empathetic and developed a better understanding and ability to recognize the value of social responsibility. Also, the students found that the activities helped them become more humble and caring for others in need. Furthermore, the SUND S-L’s integrated approach promoted the enriched learning experience of the students and, therefore, to whole-person education. Based on the students’ responses, the S-L program was able to reinforce the WPE attributes of competence, character, and faith. It is recommended that an integrated S-L approach be formally incorporated in the BSND curriculum to nurture the philosophy and practice of whole-person education