From Service to Success: Scaling Outcomes with Learning Analytics

This talk by Emily Passera and Tom Penniston is based on their recent conference presentation and publication on how UMBC’s Shriver Center is using rubric-based methods to measure student growth directly in community engagement courses – rather than relying solely on indirect proxies like GPA or attendance. Service-Learning, a powerful example of community engaged learning, was featured in UMBC’s 2016 Middle States self-study report as a particular example of a student-centered pedagogical approach that might help move the needle on academic success. By capturing real-time data on constructs such as Global Citizenship, Internal Reflection, Leadership, and Professionalism, instructors and administrators gain an actionable view into how students develop meaningful, career-ready skills. The presenters will detail how these findings can be scaled across diverse course contexts for timely, personalized interventions. The talk underscores how directly measured data fosters a robust institutional community of practice around evidence-based decision-making. At UMBC, which values inclusive excellence and civic engagement, this approach aligns with institutional learning outcomes while supporting a diverse student population. Participants will learn strategies for integrating direct measures into course design, see examples of data-informed improvements in student success, and discover best practices for building a community of practice grounded in practical, transparent analytics.

Please join us for this 3/14 hybrid event and a π-Day treat. A Webex meeting link will be sent to registered participants the morning of the talk.