General Education Curriculum: Engaged Learning

Engaged Learning experiences at Benedictine University might involve work in the larger campus community, a juried public performance or show of visual art or music, significant volunteer service, or an internship or professional project, public blog or e-portfolio. The common element in all of these experiences is that the student applies classroom learning and skills to experiences in the wider world. Engaged Learning experiences help prepare students for full participation in the world as effective citizens, community members and ethical professionals.

Some Engaged Learning experiences may be performed as a component of a traditional course while others are free-standing, such as internships. Some Engaged Learning experiences are paired with Learning Communities. 

All Engaged Learning experiences will work toward the following Learning Goals:

6 Personal Growth
a. Develop intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning
b. Strive for a life lived in balance
c. Cultivate leadership skills

7 Breadth of Knowledge and Integrative Learning
d. Explore the connections between classroom knowledge and real-world experiences.

Goals Chart for the Syllabus

Create a chart that maps the goals and place it in your syllabus.

Engaged Learning (EL) involves experiences in which the student applies classroom learning and skills to experiences in the wider world.  EL experiences at Benedictine University are ordinarily one of the following: research or professional projects, internships, study abroad, teaching assistantships, retreats, significant volunteer service, or at least 30 percent experiential work within a course (e.g., as part of a capstone, real-world simulation with case studies, etc.). The common element in all of these experiences is that the student must apply previously learned information, values and skills to a specific setting, and explore the connections between classroom knowledge and real-world experiences.

Examples of assignments demonstrating these outcomes may include manuscript preparation, publication, professional projects, reflection papers, portfolio, public blog, or presentation (e.g., a presentation to a community beyond the classroom, a conference panel, a performance, a show of visual art or music). Engaged Learning experiences help prepare students for full participation in the world as accomplished community members and ethical professionals.

Although Engaged Learning experiences may have things in common with some types of Learning Communities, Engaged Learning experiences need not involve group activity. Non-course EL offerings may vary by semester. Some EL experiences are actually paired with Learning Communities.