The Interpretative Meaning of Personality Development for Conscientiousness in the Process of Fostering Volunteerism among Undergraduate Students in State Higher Education Using Problem Based Learning (PBL) and Community Based Learning (CBL)

Abstract

This paper was analysed 1) to interpret the meaning of the student's personality development for conscientiousness and 2) to examine the process of fostering volunteerism in students who are exposed to problem-based and community-based learning. The sample group are students from Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi (RUS) who are enrolled in General Education and problem-based learning in the community. From 2018 to 2023; 947 students were utilized for purposive sampling. Qualitative data was gathered through document analysis, in-depth interviews, focus group, and participant observation.

            The research findings revealed that (1) students discovered, after interpreting the meaning from their experiences of engaging in real work, that many of the said experiences had been unexpected. This led them to take their responsibilities more seriously. As these were duties, they were not compelled to perform them by anyone else. They were learning while actively helping others in the community. Even though some students may have had negative thoughts about themselves, when working in teams with their peers, they were able to embrace change and new things with trust in others. (2) Students participated by working with large groups implementing a 10-step process, starting from analyzing the interpretation of the development of students' personality with awareness, and concluding with the lesson learned. This hands-on experience, which involved fulfilling the satisfaction of others in the community through volunteerism without expecting anything in return was reflected by the students when they began to engage in their own activities.