×

We are no longer collecting student reflections in Digication. The assessment initiative concluded in Spring 2022 and was only for the assessment taking place Fall 2021 - Spring 2022. 

Here you may view the 2021-2022 Engaged Learning Assessment Executive Summary.

 

Assessment of the Engaged Learning University Requirement involves a three-pronged approach that includes faculty and students.

1) Faculty will submit the course syllabus each semester to the Sakai project site entitled Engaged Learning Syllabi, 2) Students/Faculty will enter their Engaged Learning placement/experience data into LOCUS, and 3) Students will respond to a standardized reflection prompt at the end of the semester.

The Engaged Learning requirement supports the mission of Loyola University Chicago by embedding opportunities for students to explore the many different forms of experiential learning as part of their academic coursework.  As of Fall 2012, all undergraduate students are required to complete at least one Engaged Learning course/s totaling at least three (3) credit hours prior to graduation.

Engaged Learning courses are those that provide all of the following:

  • A structured learning experience integrated into a course that engages students in learning outside the classroom, such as in a community agency, professional organization, or in a research setting
  • Critical reflection on that experience through various assignments in class
  • Synthesis of the experience through a final project or portfolio

Engaged Learning courses may be offered by either individual departments or the Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship (CELTS). This requirement may be satisfied by a course within the Core Curriculum, or in a student’s major or minor, or through an elective course. Students may engage in these courses during the regular academic year, summer semester, J-Term, a capstone course or a study abroad experience.

Categories of Engaged Learning Courses
There are five different categories of classes that satisfy the Engaged Learning requirement.  Click on any category to learn more about that pedagogy and the criteria that define it.

  1. Service-Learning
  2. Academic Internship
  3. Field Work
  4. Undergraduate Research
  5. Public Performance

Loyola University Chicago Mission Statement:

“We are Chicago's Jesuit Catholic university- a diverse community seeking God in all things and working to expand knowledge in the service of humanity through learning, justice, and faith.”

In an effort to assess the Engaged Learning University requirement, we ask all students enrolled in an Engaged Learning course to complete this reflection. Referencing Loyola’s mission statement above, compose a written reflection (at least 2 pages, double-spaced) that connects your in-class and out-of-class experience responding to the following:

  1. How did you connect your in-class and out-of-class Engaged Learning experiences?
  2. How did your Engaged Learning experience help you connect to the University’s mission?
  3. How did the Engaged Learning experience in this course affect your personal, intellectual, civic, and/or professional development?

Assessment of the Engaged Learning University Requirement involves a three-pronged approach that includes faculty and students:

1) Faculty will submit the course syllabus each semester to the Sakai project site entitled Engaged Learning Syllabi, 2) Students/Faculty will enter their Engaged Learning placement/experience data into LOCUS, and 3) Students will respond to a standardized reflection prompt at the end of the semester.

DOCUMENTING ENGAGED LEARNING IN LOCUS

Loyola University Chicago encourages all students completing an Engaged Learning class to document their site and project information and learning objectives in LOCUS. This information is used for institutional research and documentation; however, most important to you, it is used for risk management/insurance purposes and to substantiate your fieldwork experience. Follow the instructions on this webpage to enter your information. If your organization is not present in LOCUS, please skip to 2:30 in the video tutorial for instructions to request the organization be added. Any Loyola University Chicago departmental work will be present under the department's name.‌  Here is a PowerPoint of the instructions on Entering Engaged Learning into LOCUS, for those that would like a more step by step view vs. a video.