Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

Topic Proposal

Title of proposed QEP: Experiential Learning

Description: How is the proposed topic transformative in terms of student learning? What student learning

outcomes are addressed?

Students gain valuable experience by transferring what they have learned in the classroom to the real world.

Students get a taste of the opportunities that are available, and are more able to set attainable goals. The

general education goals (communication, critical thinking, cultural and social understanding, information

literacy, personal development, quantitative reasoning, and scientific reasoning) will be enhanced in differing

degrees, depending on the type of experiential learning and on the experience itself. Classroom goals, through

discussion and analysis of experience, will be met. Students make valuable community connections and gain

practical insight. Social responsibility will be encouraged.

In addition, students would:

* develop a critical understanding of a social problem, its connections with other social problems, and the

strengths and weaknesses of current community approaches to solving/addressing those problems

* gain maturity through working in a possibly uncomfortable context

* gain organizational and research skills through process of arranging your service learning experience (this

would only apply in courses where students have to arrange their own site and experience, as opposed to a

situation where the class has a shared project/site or where the instructor or the college provides pre‐arranged

experiences)

* explore possible career paths related to the subject of study

Congruence with Mission and Strategic Vision 2015:  NOVA's mission is to respond to the educational needs of its dynamic and diverse community through an array of comprehensive programs and services that facilitate learning and workforce development in an environment of open access and through lifelong educational opportunities.

The vision of NOVA is to be a learning‐centered organization that promotes student success. Service learning

will facilitate learning and workforce development in an environment of open access and through lifelong

educational opportunities. The vehicle will be one of outreach to the community, businesses and the public

through curriculum links. By offering experiential learning, NOVA is responding to the diverse needs of the

students, whether they are pursuing a degree, certificate, or are transferring to a 4‐year institution. In addition,

relationships between NOVA students are its community partners will be enhanced, as NOVA continues to

provide an educated workforce.

Method: How do you envision NOVA carrying out your proposal?

A college‐wide Center for Experiential Learning (with offices at each campus) will coordinate efforts to

encourage experiential learning. Experiential learning can be offered in three ways:

Service learning

Optional component of some courses

Series of designated “service learning” general education courses, so students can take a “service learning

track”

Internships

Students will receive credit for participating in an approved internship

Volunteerism and Civic Engagement

Students will be encouraged to take advantage opportunities to volunteer in the community

Students must demonstrate learning by providing a comprehensive analysis of their experience. In order for this

analysis to be valuable, students should define specific goals and address how they were met.

College‐wide goals must be established and documented. In addition, there must be inclusion of service

learning in course criteria.

Faculty would plan goals and related service components, evaluation methods, expected outcomes and what

community‐based organizations are best suited for the curriculum. Faculty would submit (to division and

college) a brief application (or syllabus), which outlines course to be designated as “service learning.”

Establish and publish clear course descriptions and course content summaries outlining which courses are

designated as “service learning”.

Assessment Plan: Address the expected outcomes and how they can be measured.

Assessment tools will be developed to measure the general education goals. In addition, measurement of

employer satisfaction and assessment of employee skills will be addressed.

Resources: What kind of resources (personnel, training, technology, etc.) do you anticipate will be needed?

An office of experiential learning will oversee operations at each campus and coordinate training of faculty and

staff. Campus offices will coordinate offerings for students. Internship opportunities and service learning

experiences must be approved. CETL could provide valuable training for faculty. Release time for faculty to

develop service learning courses will be needed.

References (if applicable):

Learn and Serve America: www.learnandserve.gov

Idealist (Action Without Borders) www.idealist.org

Campus Compact: www.compact.org

University of Maryland: http://www.csl.umd.edu/

Virginia Tech: http://www.vtserves.vt.edu/servicelearning/main.aspx

University of Michigan: http://ginsberg.umich.edu/courses/service_learning.html