Enhancing Transformational Literacy in Slovakia: Implementing Service and E-Service Learning in Academia With No Previous Experience

Jana Javorčíková; Petra Strnádová

doi:10.18290/rh257310.2

Published : 2025-12-29

Vol. 73 No. 10 (2025)

Enhancing Transformational Literacy in Slovakia: Implementing Service and E-Service Learning in Academia With No Previous Experience

Jana Javorčíková

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0132-232X

Petra Strnádová

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4038-6177

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rh257310.2

Abstract

This study investigates university instructors’ awareness and readiness to implement service learning (SL) and electronic service learning (e-SL) within higher education, with a focus on Slovak departments of languages at Matej Bel University (MBU). Using qualitative data from interviews with ten instructors, the study explores perceptions, institutional support, and barriers to SL and e-SL adoption. Results reveal general awareness of SL, but limited familiarity with e-SL. Most participants indicated a willingness to undergo SL/e-SL training. However, a gap exists between the university’s strategic commitment to SL and its practical support at the faculty level. This misalignment may hinder broader adoption of the methodology. The study concludes that successful implementation requires not only awareness and training but also structural and cultural shifts within academic institutions. SL and e-SL offer significant potential for advancing civic responsibility, inclusive education, and community engagement, yet their effectiveness depends on holistic institutional support and the redefinition of faculty roles.

Keywords:

service-learning, electronic service learning, higher education, faculty readiness, community engagement, institutional support

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

References

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Jana Javorčíková

jana.javorcikova@umb.sk
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0132-232X

Affiliation:

Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica Slovakia

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Assistant professor at the Department of English and American Studies, Faculty of Arts, Matej Bel University, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

Petra Strnádová

petra.strnadova@umb.sk
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4038-6177

Affiliation:

Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica Slovakia