Modality Changes — Expectations Do Not

MLC has intentionally designed the competency-based education courses we are offering for returning adult learners to ensure that the courses meet the same academic rigor expected of our traditional undergraduate students. Whether a learner completes their elementary education program on campus as a traditional undergraduate student or through our online competency-based education program as a returning adult learner, they are expected to complete the same signature assessments to demonstrate their knowledge of pedagogy and complete the same field experiences, literacy clinical, and student teaching to apply that knowledge.

It is true that the format of the coursework is different. But in most cases, the courses have been designed by the same faculty who teach the course on campus, often using the exact same course materials. While some of the activities in the course have been revised for a different modality, the major assignments and assessments, especially those associated with licensure requirements, remain the same.

It is also true that returning adult learners may be able to apply their work experience towards Experiential Learning Credit for EFE I, EFE II, or the Literacy Clinical, but the expectations are the same. Returning adult learners must provide a resume that demonstrates they can meet the requirements of those courses through their previous work experience before they are allowed to engage in Experiential Learning Credit. Then, they are tasked with creating and submitting portfolios that include all of the required activities.