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Faculty Engagement in Co-op Competency-based Learning

Executive summary: This report was conducted in collaboration with the Sponsor organization, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). As a polytechnic university with four campuses located in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia, KPU (2013) offers bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations in more than 200 programs. The polytechnic mandate of the university "emphasizes applied education within the context of broad-based undergraduate learning to prepare our students for successful and rewarding careers" (p. 1). In June 2013, KPU announced a five-year strategic plan that included a significant emphasis on increasing experiential learning opportunities for all students. Cooperative education, as one form of experiential learning, has the potential to play a meaningful role in assisting the university meet this goal. This announcement coincided with changes in the Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program as a result of a recent accreditation process in 2012 (KPU, 2012). One of the significant changes included implementation of a competency-based learning outcomes model in cooperative education (co-op). The new direction of the university and changes in the co-op program came at an opportune time. Cates and Jones (2000) asserted that the educational purpose in co-op should be clear learning outcomes in alignment with the mission and goals of the institution (p. 3). As a result of these external changes, the Co-Op department was in a position to refocus faculty behaviour, redefine the educational value of co-op, and develop teaching methodology that focuses on learning outcomes that are in alignment with the university's vision. The objective of this research study was for the university to benefit from an enhanced educational and learning-based co-op program that is in alignment with its strategic vision.

Executive summary: This report was conducted in collaboration with the Sponsor organization, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).