Introduction
Engaging with industry and community partners can add a layer of complexity to any EL activity, but is incredibly worthwhile to students in bringing course content to life. This module covers how to work effectively, communicate strongly and aim for success in EL partnerships.
This module has been designed for Faculty and Academic Leaders.
How do we set things up for success?
Examples and Artifacts
template EL planning template
Using the Experiential Learning Project Planning Template as a framework and considering the factors outlined below will be a strong starting point for the planning.
list Planning considerations
During the planning of the EL activity, consider the following:
External Links
link Kickstarter for Experiential Learning
This online guide walks through important topics such as preparing and planning, reflective practice, assessment and evaluation, etc. There is a large portion focused on building community collaboration and rapport with partners.
document Work Integrated Learning: A Template for Good Practice
This document from Ako Aotearoa covers a variety of factors from planning and preparation to assessment and best practices, all through the eyes of a supervisor.
link Onboarding New Interns: A Checklist for Partner Organizations
Queen's University has developed a document that helps community partners/employers stay organized as they work to support your students as well.
How can we communicate student learning expectations to community partners?
Examples and Artifacts
definitions Placing learning at the forefront
This document provides explanations of how EL supports student learning.
quotes The importance of feedback
Feedback is a powerful mechanism to keep learning at the forefront while the students are engaging in the community. This document provides some ideas to consider around effective feedback or evaluation.
list Examples of rubrics
You should provide evaluation rubrics for the supervisor to use that focus on the learning goals. Ideally rubrics are co-created and based on the specific learning goals of the experience, but some samples of rubrics that may be relevant to the experience type are provided in this document.
External Resources
link Partnership Statement and Responsibilities
The Center for Experiential Learning at Loyola University Chicago has created a document that articulates all the basic responsibilities of a community-based partnership.
link Giving Constructive Feedback
This document from Enrollment Services Training, Staff Development and the Work-Study Office, Boston University provides information on framing and articulating constructive feedback. This type of resource could be shared with community partners and employers.
How can meaningful partnerships be built and maintained?
Examples and Artifacts
information Community engagement models
This document provides guidance on how to develop and maintain partnerships with communities.
list Supporting partnerships
Giving consideration to additional areas on campus who might also be available to support community-post-secondary partnerships is also helpful.
Part of an instructor’s and/or institution’s role when engaging with the community is to provide a level of customer service as a representative of the institution. Becoming familiar with the institution’s strategic plan, priorities or community-engagement goals can help inform this customer service approach.
External Resources
document Towards Whole of Community Engagement: A Practical Toolkit
This 2004 publication from the Australian Government defines "good" community engagement, and provides tools and techniques for engagement.
document Building Partnerships with College Campuses: Community Perspectives
This monograph from the Council of Independent Colleges discusses core elements of partnerships.
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.