EVALUATION OF A LEARNING PASSPORT PROGRAM ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AT MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research has indicated that encouraging student engagement both inside the classroom and through extra curricular activities enhances learning at universities. In response to a desire to increase student engagement some Business and Tourism faculty at Mount Saint Vincent University developed a Learning Passport program with an emphasis on encouraging participation in educational extracurricular activities. Passport activities must enhance and/or complement classroom learning and examples of activities include attendance and participation in academic or professional conferences, volunteering, completing study skills workshops, engaging in Career Service activities and so forth. While the program was initially slow to gain traction with students it has grown to the point whereas approximately 40% of Business and Tourism students actively participate in the program. The Learning Passport program encourages participation by linking activities to academic and career outcomes, awarding students with some bonus points in some classes for participating and presenting students with certificates and/or prizes for their involvement. Keywords Student Engagement; Increase Student Engagement; Business Education; Learning Passport Program; Educational Extracurricular Activities; Program Evaluation