Introduction

This module examines the importance of the quality review process in experiential learning. With EL happening at many levels of an institution and involving a variety of stakeholders, identifying existing opportunities for review and developing a customized plan for conducting a review are important for ensuring that all EL opportunities are evaluated and improved before, during, and after the experience. In this module, we will evaluate existing opportunities for quality review, identify stakeholders, develop tools, consider timelines, and generate a quality review plan.

This module has been designed for all audiences.

What role does quality review play in EL?

Examples and Artifacts

list Quality review in EL

Quality review in EL may be somewhat different than other academic quality processes that already exist at an institution.

  • Multiple stakeholders are involved in EL and are likely to have valuable feedback, and some of those stakeholders are likely to be external to the institution
  • Students are participating in varied EL opportunities, so a quality review will need to account for a range of activities and locations
  • EL opportunities may have variable timelines, from a few hours to multiple semesters, and may need quality review on different timelines



information Developing a quality review process
This document discusses some key considerations when developing a new process for quality review.

External Links

document Developing global standards framework and quality integrated models for cooperative and work-integrated education programs
This article discusses the importance of standards frameworks and well-tested quality evaluation models.

link Work-Integrated Learning Quality Framework, AAA★
This paper provides an overview of the quality landscape in higher education and work-integrated learning and presents a work-integrated learning quality framework.

videovideo A Quality Framework for Work-Integrated Learning
This keynote introduces a quality framework for EL that addresses the needs of a number of key stakeholders.

What opportunities and challenges exist for evaluating EL?

Examples and Artifacts

Because EL experiences are often different from more traditional classroom learning, and also different from each other, there may be challenges associated with conducting a quality review. Anticipating those challenges makes it possible to deal with them more efficiently and to ensure that any review is as thorough and representative as possible. At the same time, many of the features that make EL into such an effective learning experience also open new opportunities for assessing quality. Incorporating reflective practice, interviews, and focus groups can all add additional information to a quality review.

list Identifying challenges

The bigger and more varied an EL opportunity is, the more likely there are to be some challenges to plan for. While smaller, course-level EL may not require a significant amount of project management, larger efforts may require more planning. Challenges in quality review typically fall into a few different categories. Working with a wide variety of stakeholders can be present challenges in terms of identifying and managing participants. Depending on the scope of the review, there may also be difficulties establishing and sticking to a timeline for the review. Along similar lines, a large quality review may require different resources in support of the process.

list Identifying opportunities

Although there are challenges associated with reviewing for quality, there may also be interesting and meaningful opportunities resulting from some of the unique features of EL.

What tools will best support a quality review that includes multiple stakeholders?

Examples and Artifacts

list Quality review tools

One of the most important elements of a quality review is developing the tools that will be used to gather feedback on the experience. No matter the level or scope of a quality review, QR frameworks for EL all touch on elements of the EL experience that it’s important to get feedback on at the beginning, middle, and end of the experience.

table Soliciting Feedback
This document provides examples of feedback questions for students, external partners, faculty and academic staff.

list Other considerations

Planning and development worksheet

This worksheet can be completed online or exported so you can continue work on it. Note that If you advance another module or visit another site, your work will not be saved. Be sure to export your document before continuing.