LEARNING INTO ACTION SYLLABUS

Key Learning Outcomes for Learning Into Action (LIA)

§          Identify, integrate and apply specific skills, knowledge and technologies through an independent project related to career exploration, research, and/or travel integrate academic and/or professional writing into written and spoken projects.

§          Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.

§          Apply successful organizational strategies of planning, goal-setting, prioritizing, resolving conflict, and managing time to specific goals and/or projects.

§          Demonstrate college-level and/or professional-level writing or oral presentation skills

For LIA forms, visit our Forms page.  (WHIDBEY ISLAND CAMPUS STUDENTS,  click here: Whidbey Island LIA)

Successful completion of quarterly Learning Into Action typically includes the following:

• Completed Learning Contract (with required signatures and objectives)
• (30) hours applied learning per credit
• Journaling of experiences - to Faculty Sponsor (six/quarter Fall, Winter, Spring Qts.; four in Summer)
• Time sheet – signed by Site Supervisor (copy to LIA Coordinator)
• Analytical paper or approved final project – to Faculty Sponsor (Copy to LIA Coordinator)
• Student Self Evaluation  (submit to LIA Coordinator)
• Site Supervisor Evaluation, if appropriate to project

(Students may extend work-based experiences to 14 credits and over several quarters, providing Applied Learning Contract meets faculty/coordinator approval)

 

Journal Notes
There are six (6) weekly, reflective journals that are required per quarter. These can be a combination of guided journal entries and open journalizing. The purpose of this type of writing is to promote self awareness of learning style and process, applied skills, new knowledge and career exploration. The journals should include reflection and analysis of the week's progress toward learning objectives as well as the student's personal response to the experiences.

 

Site Supervisor Evaluation
This evaluation form allows the site/faculty supervisor to evaluate the performance of the student and provide program improvement information. Students should use this feedback in their analytical paper under the section on what has been learned about strengths and areas of needed improvement.

 

Analytical Paper

Normally, this paper is required by faculty at the end of the quarter and should encompass an overall account of the student's experience as it relates to his or her professional development, and completion of learning objectives. A student may complete a different type of final project in place of the analytical paper with the approval of the student's faculty sponsor.

 

ANALYTICAL PAPER

 

The paper should be at least 3 pages, typed and double-spaced.

 

The paper should explain:

 

1.         How you completed each learning objective. (List the objectives from your Learning Contract, and for each, explain how you met them.  Include discussion of key activities you engaged in to complete the objectives along with any obstacles you encountered in reaching the objectives).

 

2.        What you learned about your career path from the experience. Did it confirm or modify your goals related to your chosen career path?

 

3.        What you learned about yourself—both personally and professionally

 

¨       What are your strengths for doing this type of work?

¨       What are areas of needed improvement?

¨       How will you develop those areas in the future?

 

Student Self-Evaluation
This survey is a form that is filled out by LIA students just prior to completion of the course. It is an opportunity to provide valuable feedback about their experience, evaluate their placement and articulate the connection between classroom and practical application of learning. A copy must go to the LIA Coordinator along with the signed time sheet. (click on LIA  forms to download the form). 

 

Enrichment Activities

Supplementary enrichment activities enhance students' career exploration, skill identification, Other LIA Activities for Enrichment

Informational Interviews	Conduct informational interviews with individuals who have jobs that interest you.  Write up the interviews (Q's and A's)
Job-Related Workshop, Conference, or training	Attend project- or job-related workshops, seminars, conference or other training.  Write a one-page report of the knowledge you gained.
Employment Security	Attend any training seminars held by the Employment Security office and write a one-page report.
Other seminars	Attend any faculty seminars, business seminars or other training seminars and write a one-page report.
Internet and Newspaper and/or magazine	Locate a website or news article relevant to your career field and write a one-page report on how this information is applicable to your placement or future career of interest.

For Learning Into Action forms and Possible Placements, visit our Forms page.

LIA Checklist: Putting it all together

LIA   CHECKLIST:  Putting it all in one list 

 

q       Plan your project independently or in collaboration with a faculty sponsor and/or site supervisor

 

q       Complete an Applied Learning Contract with signatures of faculty sponsor and site supervisor

 

q       Take to LIA Coordinator for her signature and get registration information

 

q       Register and pay for credit

 

q       Record activities and times on time sheet

 

q       Submit weekly reflective journals to your faculty sponsor (six during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters; four Summer Qt.)

 

q       Have Site Supervisor complete his/her evaluation of your work (if it fits your project), and have him/her sign your timesheet, thus, verifying hours

 

q       Write final analytical, summary paper, which demonstrates college-level composition and writing skills (see Syllabus Packet for guidelines)

 

q       Submit to faculty sponsor: your paper, a copy of signed timesheet, and Site Supervisor evaluation

 

q       Submit signed timesheet, Self-Evaluation, and copy of graded paper to LIA Coordinator (This proof of completion will be stored for six years)