Writing Student Learning Objectives
Student Learning Objectives (SLO) should be identified and outlined on the internship contract so that all parties involved (student, faculty and internship supervisor) are clear as to the knowledge, skills and competencies that are to be achieved. When writing a SLO, include the following:
- Action verb
- Behavior or subject-content reference
- Conditions under which the action is performed
- Degree/level of performance or achievement
Example:
A = Create
B = a series of newsletters
C = using Mailchimp
D = that increases audience engagement as measured by open and click-thru rates.
Assessment
- Assessment should occur before, during and after the internship.
- Students should be provided with a rubric that will be used to assess how student learning objectives were met.
Examples of assessment:
- Observation/evaluation by the employer and/or learning facilitator
- Self-assessment
- Reflection journal
- Reflective essay
- Oral presentation – could be PPT, poster session, etc.
- Creating a webpage/blog
- Portfolio that includes the job description, learning objectives, employer evaluation, project documents or weblinks, final PowerPoint presentation
- Demonstration
- Exit interview
Sample Grading Rubric
Items on the rubric should include 1) how well the student articulated that the student learning objectives (SLOs) identified on the internship contract were met, and 2) evidence that the student has reflected on their experience and connected it to their coursework and future career goals. This rubric is an example only. Faculty sponsors should develop a grading rubric to meet their individual needs.
Meets Expectations | Does Not Meet Expectations |
Include statements to address SLO #1 on the internship contract. Example: A series of newsletters were created using Mailchimp that increased audience engagement via open and click-thru rates. |
A series of newsletters were not created or they did not increase audience engagement via open and click-thru rates. |
| Include statements to address SLO #2 on the internship contract. | |
| Include statements to address any additional SLOs on the internship contract. | |
Include statements to address if meaningful reflection took place based on the reflection questions assigned. Examples: Student identified their internship accomplishment(s) and discussed why they were important to the organization and/or their career development. Student thoroughly discussed how they were able to apply concepts from their coursework to their internship. |
Student did not identify their internship accomplishment(s) or only minimally discussed why they were important to the organization and/or their career development. Student minimally discussed (or did not discuss) how they were able to apply concepts from their coursework to their internship. |
| Include statements to assess if the student adhered to requirements such as paper/presentation length and format. | |
| Include statements to assess if the paper/presentation had a clear introduction, body and conclusion. | |
| Include statements to assess if the ideas in the paper/presentation were clearly explained and flowed well. |