Applied learning participation

Research shows that adults learn more when classroom education is combined with practical experience in the workplace. In addition, students who participate in work-based learning see a positive impact on their earnings and are more likely to say their education was worth the cost and helped them achieve their goals. 24 Applied learning can also help students become more competitive in job searches and transfer applications. Colleges can use this metric to track, over time, the number and percentage of students who engage in applied learning—which should be reflected in program maps—and whether there are disparities in which groups of students engage in such learning. College faculty and leaders can best understand the impact of applied learning when combined with learning outcomes assessment data. In addition, when both work based learning and learning outcome assessment data are viewed alongside post-graduation data on workforce and transfer outcomes, leaders can understand how well their college is setting students up for success after community college.