Title of Work
Community-Engaged Learning as Career Preparation: Coaching Students to Describe High-Impact Liberal Arts Education Experiences as Career Readiness
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication/Presentation Date
Winter 2-24-2020
City of Publication or Presentation
Las Vegas, Nevada
Conference Name
Fourth Annual Conference for Academic Research in Education, sponsored by the University of Nevada Las Vegas
Conference Location
Las Vegas, Nevada
Abstract
In light of mistrust resulting from admissions scandals, ballooning student debt, and a loss of faith in traditional institutions, we in higher education must make a better case that our high-impact practices are effective career preparation. To do so, I surveyed 21 community partners, 16 faculty, and 9 students to capture what students say and do as the result of community-engaged learning (CEL). Using this data, I employed qualitative coding and analysis to discern a vocabulary for describing CEL outcomes as the skills employers most desire. I then created the Tell Me About A Time© board game in which students learn and practice this vocabulary aloud with peers. I administered the game to 82 students at two universities and gathered survey data to confirm that it imparts a vocabulary so students who play are better able to describe their CEL as evidence of their career readiness.
Recommended Citation
Otto, Elizabeth A., "Community-Engaged Learning as Career Preparation: Coaching Students to Describe High-Impact Liberal Arts Education Experiences as Career Readiness" (2020). Communication Studies Faculty Scholarship. 7.
https://sophia.stkate.edu/communications_fac/7