Students can earn a special notation on their transcript, which can be meaningful to future employers and transfer institutions, for taking a course that incorporates Project-Based Learning (PBL), Service Learning, or Community-Engaged/Civic Education (SL/CECE). Specific requirements must be met before instructors can add this notation to transcripts.
Transcript notations affirm Bellevue College’s commitment that PBL, Service Learning, and CECE are useful teaching methodologies that help students apply course content, build transferable skills, and have meaningful learning experiences. The transcript notation provides official recognition that students actually had these experiences.
Before students can earn a transcript notation, the course must be reviewed and approved by a committee. Once approved, the instructor can indicate which students have met the requirements.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) and the PBL Transcript Notation
Requirements
To qualify, a PBL course must:
- Include most of the characteristics of Project-Based Learning (not just “doing a project’).
The following list provides a full list of the differences between PBL and “doing a project.” - Integrate a group or individual project that produces a deliverable (e.g, a presentation, website, or work product).
- Require students to present or share results with an audience beyond the classroom.
- Require critical reflection (minimum of 2 reflections).
Key Notes
- A PBL course does not need to qualify for transcript notation, though instructors are encouraged to integrate PBL elements whenever possible.
- Not all PBL courses qualify. Committee approval is required, but once certified, a course may remain eligible for multiple quarters.
- Instructors should contact the RISE office if they need support to qualify for the transcript notation.
Service-Learning & Community-Engaged/Civic Education (SL/CECE)
Service-Learning connects course content to volunteering with a local non-profit or government agency and critical reflection. Community-Engaged & Civic Education (CECE) is a term adopted by Bellevue College in Fall 2020 to broaden the formats of community-based pedagogies supported by the RISE Learning Institute.
Requirements
To certify a course for the SL/CECE transcript notation, a course must:
- Integrate an SL/CECE-related group or individual project into the course.
- Require students to present or share work beyond the classroom.
- Require critical reflection (at least 2 reflections).
The Transcript Notation Review Process
For PBL Transcript Notations: At the beginning of the quarter, submit the following to the RISE Learning Institute:
- Syllabus
- Relevant Reflections, Assignments, Activities, and Assessments (screen captures of Canvas assignments are fine)
- An explanation about how the course components possess the PBL criteria and fit into your overall course. (Include if you normally explain the PBL component in person to students).
For SL/CECE Transcript Notations: Submit the following to the RISE Learning Institute:
- Syllabus (with clear integration and explanation of Service Learning or CECE)
- Relevant assignments
- Relevant reflections
- For in-person discussion reflections, the instructor should just send the proposed questions
- Any additional information about the SL/CECE plans that would help guide the committee (e.g. anything you might tell the students that helps to build the connection between the CECE and the course content).
A committee — composed of an administrator, a student, and faculty member — will review the materials. You’ll be informed if your course meets the requirements or needs revisions.
Once certified, students who fulfill the requirements can earn the following notations:
- FOR PBL: “Demonstrated excellence in project-based learning, including practicing the skills of collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management.”
- FOR SL/CECE: “Demonstrated excellence in service-learning by contributing meaningfully to the community, practicing essential skills and civic-mindedness, and learning through deep reflection.”
For more information about the PBL transcription process, please see the PBL Instructor’s Guide [PDF]
For details about the SL/CECE translation process, please see the SL/CECE Instructor’s Guide [PDF]