Assessment of Experiential Learning in business administration

A study at Syracuse University funded by the Cooperative Assessment of Experiential Learning resulted in the development of a model for the assessment of experiential learning and the awarding of appropriate academic credit in a given educational environment. Academic courses were restructured to incorporate clearly stated performance (outcome) objectives grouped in logical modules. Self-assessment instruments, based on these objectives, were developed to provide the basis for establishing the criteria for awarding academic credit based upon the results of the self-assessment. Students possessing measurable knowledge at a level above the predetermined criteria may be awarded partial or full credit for the courses completed. Faculty were utilized to validate the self-assessment of students and specify the credit to be recorded.     

Avoiding the Hoops: A study of recognition of prior learning processes in Australian faculties of education

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) refers to recognition of non-credentialled or informal learning. In the university context, there are difficulties in determining the appropriateness and extent of experiential learning since there is no research-based modelling to guide the process. This article draws on an Australian Research Council grant project which aims to draw up research-based, nationally applicable protocols and procedures for RPL in education faculties in Australia. It concludes that there is room for greater development of procedures for recognising prior learning than exists in many faculties of education.     

Assessment guiding learning: developing graduate qualities in an experiential learning programme

As industry demands increase for a new type of graduate, there is more pressure than ever before for higher education (HE) to respond by cultivating and developing students who are prepared for these workplace challenges. This paper explores an innovative experiential learning programme built on the principles of work-related learning that develops students to attain graduate qualities for competitiveness in the business sector. The role and importance of assessment as a core influence for learning is recognised and embedded into the programme, as well as the prevalence of meeting the needs of its stakeholders. Issues concerning assessing work-oriented learning are explored as well as what assessment methods might be most appropriate for enhancing and evaluating learning in this context. Feedback from stakeholders on the structure of the programme and its assessment are discussed as well as the question of how to maintain work-related programmes in HE. If such programmes continue to focus assessment and design around student learning, students will not only have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical context, they will also be maximising their personal learning outcomes with the added advantage of being better equipped to compete in an increasingly competitive marketplace.     

Portfolio versus syllabus methods in experiential education

The portfolio method of assessing past experience for the award of academic credit is being nationally promoted by the Council for the Advancement of Experiential Learning (CAEL). The portfolio method has evolved since 1974 and is used in a number of colleges and universities. The project-syllabus method was developed by the author in 1969 to support experiential credit for students in sponsored experiences. Beginning about 1973, the project-syllabus method was also used to support credit for past experiences in some areas. These two methods are contrasted, comparisons made to traditional classroom methods, and strengths and weaknesses analyzed.D. Keith Lupton, the Guest Editor for this issue, is the Director of the Off-Campus Term Program, University of South Florida.     

Applied studies: A model for experiential education

For a number of years the University of Lethbridge has been working to develop a model for experiential education which is appropriate for liberal arts students. To this end, a four-year experimental project was initiated in 1973 to develop such a model, adapting already established principles of Cooperative Education. The result of this experiment—that traditional Coop was not the appropriate vehicle—led to a more inclusive experiential educational model, which allows for both employment and volunteer experiences, involves the awarding of academic credit, and places the onus on the student to demonstrate through various forms of documentation the relationship between his or her field experience and academic program. While there always will be difficulties in assessing the credit value of learning gained from a practical experience, the University of Lethbridge has, through an approach that involves the realization of specific learning objectives, developed a program that fits well into the liberal arts framework.     

The accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) in Great Britain — Some implementation issues in vocational education

Abstract

After defining prior experiential learning, the experience of the Assessment of Prior Learning in the United States used to review and analyse developing practices in Great Britain.

The major issues reviewed are the nature of evidence, the collection of evidence into portfolios, assessment and costing such provision. Assessment of prior experiential learning is welcomed, even with the challenges it provides for vocational training and colleges.     

Giving credit where credit is due: Evaluating experiential learning in the liberal arts

Portfolio assessment has become a standard mechanism for the evaluation of prior learning for experienced students. The assessment of such learning in terms of the traditional liberal arts disciplines raises basic questions about the relationship of liberal learning to lived experience and about liberal learning outcomes. An informal survey of portfolio narratives receiving faculty approval for credit at various post-secondary institutions indicates a wide range of declarative, analytical, and interpretive assertions recognized as learning in these disciplines.I wish to thank the following institutions: Sinclair Community College, Clark University, the University of Alabama, and Indiana University who were kind enough to share materials on record while preserving the confidentiality through the removal of names, dates, etc.     

Assessment for community service types of experiential learning in the engineering discipline

While experential learning has been increasingly explored and adopted by higher education institutions, few have researched the appropriate assessment methods that can be aligned with the learning outcomes of experential learning. A literature review on the diverse forms of assessment currently used for community service types of experiential learning in higher education is presented in this paper to review their appropriateness in assessing experential learning. The paper also describes the assessment framework of the University of Hong Kong Sichuan Reconstruction Community Service Project, which is incorporated into a multidisciplinary community service learning project. Feedback from students and teachers are reviewed to gauge their preferences towards these assessments, as well as their opinions on assigning academic credits to experential learning projects.     

Experiential education at the graduate level: A perspective on faculty role and development

Adult development is an implicit component of graduate education. Yet, this idea is often ignored as traditional programs continue to view graduate education as largely a process of intellectual growth, usually detached from other life experience. Sponsored experiential learning provides one context through which adult developmental and intellectual goals may be simultaneously recognized and pursued. Required are a recognition of new roles for faculty and new efforts to help faculty in implementing these roles. The issues surrounding faculty role and faculty development are addressed in the context of a nontraditional graduate program which maximizes opportunities for the use of experiential learning.Dr. Byxbee is Program Director for the Saint Mary's College Graduate Programs in Human Development, Education, and Educational Leadership. He has consulted widely on the topic of nontraditional program development and has recently been active as a consultant to Latin American Educators on the topic of Nontraditional Education and Public Service Administration.     

A New Approach to Developing Interactive Software Modules Through Graduate Education

Educational technology has attained significant importance as a mechanism for supporting experiential learning of science concepts. However, the growth of this mechanism is limited by the significant time and technical expertise needed to develop such products, particularly in specialized fields of science. We sought to test whether interactive, educational, online software modules can be developed effectively by students as a curriculum component of an advanced science course. We discuss a set of 15 such modules developed by Harvard University graduate students to demonstrate various concepts related to astronomy and physics. Their successful development of these modules demonstrates that online software tools for education and outreach on specialized topics can be produced while simultaneously fulfilling project-based learning objectives. We describe a set of technologies suitable for module development and present in detail four examples of modules developed by the students. We offer recommendations for incorporating educational software development within a graduate curriculum and conclude by discussing the relevance of this novel approach to new online learning environments like edX.     

Exploring an experiential learning project through Kolb's Learning Theory using a qualitative research method

Experiential learning pedagogy is taking a lead in the development of graduate attributes and educational aims as these are of prime importance for society. This paper shows a community service experiential project conducted in China. The project enabled students to serve the affected community in a post-earthquake area by applying their knowledge and skills. This paper documented the students’ learning process from their project goals, pre-trip preparations, work progress, obstacles encountered to the final results and reflections. Using the data gathered from a focus group interview approach, the four components of Kolb's learning cycle, the concrete experience, reflection observation, abstract conceptualisation and active experimentation, have been shown to transform and internalise student's learning experience, achieving a variety of learning outcomes. The author will also explore how this community service type of experiential learning in the engineering discipline allowed students to experience deep learning and develop their graduate attributes.     

Implementing Experiential Learning Activities in a Large Enrollment Introductory Food Science and Human Nutrition Course

ABSTRACT:  Experiential learning activities are often viewed as impractical, and potentially unfeasible, instructional tools to employ in a large enrollment course. Research has shown, though, that the metacognitive skills that students utilize while participating in experiential learning activities enable them to assess their true level of understanding and mastery of the subject matter. The objectives of this study were to (1) create and implement 2 experiential learning activities in our introductory, large enrollment course and (2) evaluate their cognitive and affective impact on student learning. For the 1st activity, completed in class during the nutrition and health section, the instructional team asked the students to complete a dietary intake assessment. For the 2nd activity, completed via the course website, the instructional team asked the students to complete a food safety survey prior to the commencement of the food microbiology and processing section to assess the students' own personal food safety behaviors. The students were asked to evaluate both the cognitive and affective aspects of the experiential learning activities by completing a reflective questionnaire after participating in each activity. The majority of the students that participated in the experiential learning activities reported that the activities helped them learn the course material (97% for the dietary intake activity and 77% for the food safety activity) and that they liked participating in the activity (85% for the dietary intake activity) or were engaged by the activity (77% for the food safety activity). These results indicate that experiential learning activities can be successfully created for and implemented in large enrollment courses.     

More than one bite at the APEL — contrasting models of accrediting prior learning

Abstract

This paper describes and analyses two models of practice used to accredit prior experiential learning: The competence‐based credit exchange model, and the developmental model, where documentary evidence is supported by a reflective commentary. The origins and contrasting philosophies of the two models are discussed, and the developmental model recommended as more appropriate for the accreditation of professional experience. A link is made between developmental APEL practice and the tradition of teacher‐based action research; both are identified as ways of supporting personal and professional development.     

The Challenge and Opportunity of Competency‐Based Counselor Education

There is increased responsibility for programs to demonstrate evidence of student learning and skill. Application of competency‐based education is delineated, including prior learning assessment and personalized learning. Implications such as awarding credit for experience in admissions or variable clinical training timelines and requirements are explored.     

Want students to engage? Contextualise graduate learning outcomes and assess for employability

The ability of graduates to proactively develop, adapt and repackage their capabilities (or attributes) is an essential aspect of employability. This study was conducted at Deakin University, where graduate capabilities have been recast as graduate learning outcomes, and employability is frequently referenced. In light of significant curriculum reform to make graduate capabilities prominent, we investigated student perceptions of graduate capabilities and associated learning outcomes, as well as preparation for employment, to better understand how we can engage students in developing and showcasing their employability. We interviewed 45 students across 10 focus groups and qualitatively analysed their responses for commonly recurring themes. Focus groups were completed in two stages with data analysis and adjustment of questions between stages to enable validation and greater depth of understanding. Our analysis suggests that even with capabilities renamed as learning outcomes, students find graduate learning outcomes too generic to be meaningful and are most likely to engage with learning outcomes that are contextualised and assessed. Our case study illustrates ways to combat this – particularly the importance of assessment design and consistent, student-focused communication in engaging students in the development of capabilities and in the curation of evidence for employability. Students also suggest that advice from employers, professionals and recent graduates, and exposure to industry-related experiences could help make graduate capabilities more meaningful.     

Simulations: Using experiential learning to add relevancy and meaning to introductory courses

Over the past two years the authors have provided experiential learning in the form of a simulation exercise to help 240 college students relate personally to the foundations of education. Introductory courses, with a preponderance of facts and breadth of content, can easily overwhelm students. The simulation not only energized the students but also personalized an in-depth understanding of educational issues. This theoretical knowledge was applied practically, a link which may often be missing in many introductory courses.Kathleen K. Montgomery holds a D. Ed. from The Pennsylvania State University. She is Assistant Professor of Education at Elmira College, where she teaches Introduction to Education, Instructional Strategies, and Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Education. Professor Montgomery's research interests include the design of experiential learning and assessment methods used to evaluate such learning. She is currently working on a book about authentic assessment methods useful for elementary teachers. Susan C. Brown holds an Ed.D. from the University of Central Florida. She is the Assistant Director/Assistant Professor of Education at Elmira College, where she teaches Introduction to Education, Instructional Strategies, and Multicultural Education. Professor Brown has recently published articles on multicultural education for perservice teachers in theJournal of Curriculum and Supervision andCurriculum, a British Journal of educators. She is on the Editorial Board of the Educational Forum. Cathleen M. Deery holds the M.S. degree for Syracuse University. She is lecturer at Elmira College, where she teaches Introduction to Education, Educational Psychology, and Inclusionary Education. Professor Deery has designed numerous experiential learning components for her classes, and she is currently working on a book with Kathleen Montgomery about authentic assessment methods.     

Student learning outcomes and attitudes when biotechnology lab partners are of different academic levels

The North Carolina State University Biotechnology Program offers laboratory-intensive courses to both undergraduate and graduate students. In "Manipulation and Expression of Recombinant DNA," students are separated into undergraduate and graduate sections for the laboratory, but not the lecture, component. Evidence has shown that students prefer pairing with someone of the same academic level. However, retention of main ideas in peer learning environments has been shown to be greater when partners have dissimilar abilities. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that there will be enhanced student learning when lab partners are of different academic levels. We found that learning outcomes were met by both levels of student, regardless of pairing. Average undergraduate grades on every assessment method increased when undergraduates were paired with graduate students. Many of the average graduate student grades also increased modestly when graduate students were paired with undergraduates. Attitudes toward working with partners dramatically shifted toward favoring working with students of different academic levels. This work suggests that offering dual-level courses in which different-level partnerships are created does not inhibit learning by students of different academic levels. This format is useful for institutions that wish to offer "boutique" courses in which student enrollment may be low, but specialized equipment and faculty expertise are needed.     

Silk Purses and Sows’ Ears: NVQs,GNVQs and experiential learning

Although criticism of the competence‐based education (CBE) strategy which underpins National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) has grown in recent years, this still receives considerably less emphasis than the general approval and public endorsement of the National Council for Vocational Qualifications (NCVQ) framework at all levels of the system. An aspect of the implementation of NVQs which merits closer attention is the apparent mismatch between the behaviourist‐inspired NVQ system and the dominant modes of learning and teaching in post‐school education derived from the experiential tradition. This relationship is explored in theoretical terms, by examining the concept of CBE against the background of experiential learning theory, and also in terms of empirical research in the field, including an on‐going Warwick University study of the implementation of NVQs in local FE colleges in the areas of catering, business studies and hairdressing. It is suggested that, in spite of the fact that many FE lecturers have managed to accommodate competence outcomes within their preferred approaches to learning, the tensions are such that an exclusive concern with performance outcomes must inevitably thwart and frustrate the objectives and project of experiential learning. The NVQ framework is ill‐equipped to provide the necessary foundation for post‐16 curriculum reform along the lines currently being proposed by almost all relevant agencies. The recently introduced general NVQs (GNVQs), however, can be seen as a means of remedying some of the key problems of NVQs and may help to establish a more solid basis for the desired reforms in vocational education and training.     

先前学习评价:一种非正式学习评价方式的实证研究

先前学习评价是当前国际成人高等教育领域普遍采用的、针对非正式学习的一种评价方式。本研究基于体验式学习理论,选取参与远程高等教育且具有一定工作经验的92名成人学生为研究对象,在广播电视大学教学系统开展了先前学习评价的实证研究。研究发现,测评人员对评价标准的理解与应用存在偏差,学生对先前学习评价的认识有待进一步加强,特别是让学生清楚评估中的相关责任、评估方法等,以及整个先前学习评价工作的评价与监督机制尚不健全。基于此,本研究总结了先前学习评价的一般操作流程,并提出建立申请制度,加强审核学生所提供材料、证据等的真实性,向学生提供申请前的自我测试以及为学生提供反馈和审查评估结果的机会等四个方面的改进措施。研究希望促进两个"成果转化",一是通过先前学习评价的实证研究,对在职人员通过非正式学习获得的知识、能力或技能给予合理的"成果转化",进一步推动我国针对成人非正式学习评价的研究;二是希望将研究成果进行"成果转化",变为学历教育、在职人员教育与终身教育融合的一种推进机制。