L-10: Can reflect on the learning process and methods used in an experiential project.
L-11: To be written by faculty/student

Externship (prerequisite: Research Seminar, L-8,9)

The Externship is designed to give you an opportunity to focus on the dynamics of learning from direct experience in new situations. You can choose from two formats for completing the Externship: 1) an individualized project assessed by your academic committee OR 2) an SNL travel or service learning course. For either of these formats, you will be expected to:

1. Identify and explain a personal learning goal;
   
2. Identify and select learning opportunities to support the goal;
   
3. Select and employ methods to achieve the desired learning goal;
   
4. Explain the interrelationship between one's own profile as a learner; and,
   
5. Explain the nature and outcomes of this particular learning experience.
   

These specific criteria make clear that the emphasis in Externship is on thoughtful reflection about how learning occurs from an individual's interaction with an environment. The learning environment you choose for the basis of your Externship can vary with your own needs and preferences.

The fundamental difference between the two options is the degree of structure they offer you.  An Individualized project gives you a great degree of control in shaping learning experiences to your particular needs and interests, with the Academic Committee assisting you in the specific design of the project.  The project is managed by you, with periodic feedback from the Academic Committee at your request.  When the project is complete, the Academic Committee assesses the work and awards a grade.  SNL Externship courses provide you with more structure, including the expectation of class attendance.  With this option, SNL faculty do learning experiences appropriate for the objectives of Externship listed above and encourage you to tailor activities and/or assignments of the course to reflect your individual learning goals.  Faculty for the course will assess your work and award a grade for Externship.

Since an important component of the Externship is understanding one's own nature as a learner, you should consider your learning style when choosing one of the two formats for Externship.  You can decide whether you are best served by the flexibility of individualized projects or the structure of an SNL Externship course.

The Externship Worksheet is for your own use.  You should use this worksheet to think through your project and before completing the Contract and Proposal.

If you decide NOT TO TAKE A COURSE for Externship, the Contract and Proposal must be completed and approved by the faculty mentor and professional advisor PRIOR TO BEGINNING your Externship.