Co-op Learning Model

The Cooperative Education Learning Model

Cooperative Education is a distinctive form of experiential education. Students at Northeastern University earn experiential learning credit when they satisfactorily complete the following components of the cooperative education learning process: Preparation, Activity, and Reflection.

PREPARATION

Active participation in structured preparation activities through group and/or individual interactions with a Cooperative Education Faculty Coordinator that are intended to develop:
Job Success Skills
Goal Setting
Decision-Making Skills
Self-Assessment
Career Exploration
The preparation phase results in an individualized learning agreement that addresses personal and professional goals.
		ACTIVITY

		An activity approved by a Cooperative Education Faculty Coordinator for a defined time period which meets the individualized learning agreement. Such activities may include:
		Work
		Research
		Travel/Cultural Exploration
		Job Search
	REFLECTION

	The interplay of action and reflection reference to the student's individualized learning agreement. The coordinator will help the student identify opportunities that may include:
	Creative artistic expressions
	Journals
	Structured discussions among students
	Conversations with supervisors and/or clients
	Faculty conferences with students
	Assessment by student, Co-op faculty, and/or employer
	Debriefing sessions, individual and/or group
	Analysis papers
	Public presentations
	Group projects

The faculty coordinator will evaluate whether the student has satisfactorily completed each co-op learning process cycle.

The successful completion of one quarter of co-op experience, encompassing the elements of the Cooperative Education Learning Model, is equivalent to the successful completion of one four-quarter hour course.

Cooperative Education is a distinctive form of experiential education. Students at Northeastern University earn experiential learning credit when they satisfactorily complete the following components of the cooperative education learning process: Preparation, Activity, and Reflection.