Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process
- I have an experience that fits the criteria, but it doesn't need funding. How do we make it an ALE?
The ALE Council must verify the experience meets the ALE criteria, but the application can be completed and submitted at any time, preferably at least 6 weeks before the start of the experience. To receive funding for a new ALE, the application should be submitted before that semester's priority deadline.
Please complete an online application in the How to Apply section of this website. Feel free to contact an ALE Council member for assistance with the application process.
- How can I get funding to develop and pilot an ALE?
ALE funding, up to $1,500, is available for each new ALE experience to cover materials, supplies, equipment, and travel expenses related to a new ALE. The option to request funding is a part of the ALE application. Funding is awarded based on availability of funds and the order applications are received. Once ALE funds have been depleted, new ALE applications will still be processed and reviewed for approval, but no funding will be awarded.
- How many ALE grants can I receive every school year?
ALE funding is intended to support the development of experiences and is not intended to serve as an on-going resource. For that reason, faculty and staff may receive funding for two ALE's per academic year, but no more than one per semester.
- I developed and implemented an ALE and it is going to continue. Do I have to re-apply?
Yes. Complete the "ALE Application" and select ALE Renewal. Additional information can be found in the How to Apply section of this website. Feel free to contact an ALE Council member for assistance with this form.
- I'm not sure if the experience fits the criteria. How should I proceed?
Call 254-968-9559 or email ale@tarleton.edu. Colleagues who have completed ALEs are also an excellent resource. Even if an experience doesn't fit the criteria, these resources can often help restructure the experience such that it does qualify.
Completing the Application
- What types of additional artifacts can be used?
The additional artifact can be anything related and appropriate to the experience. For example, a Study Abroad or Service Learning experience may choose to use a photostory, blog, PowerPoint, etc.; an Undergraduate Research experience may choose to use a poster presentation.
- What is meant by "how the applied learning experience will incorporate the students' holistic education"?
Students often do not recognize the connection between what they have learned in and out of the classroom and real world experiences. One of the student learning outcomes of ALE is to help the students recognize this connectedness and thus engage in and value their educational experience.
Very briefly describe how this experience will incorporate academic content not only from courses in the student's discipline, but also content outside the discipline and skills they may be acquiring in non-academic experiences.
It is often necessary for the experience supervisor to help the students identify these connections. Consider prompting them with "Remember learning about that in ..." or "Didn't you learn about something similar in your political science class" or ...
- What is meant by "how the applied learning experience will impact the students' global perspective"?
Students often do not recognize the broader impact of an experience. If an experience is being conducted in an environment that is significantly different from the one in which they were raised or are going to school, it will likely open their eyes to the impact of different cultures, different government structures, different societal norms, etc.
Even if the experience is conducted in the student's "own back yard", the external nature of the experience may open their eyes to the impact of different socio-economic conditions, different political perspectives, different environmental practices, etc.
Very briefly describe the potential broader impact of the experience.
It is often necessary for the the experience supervisor to help the students identify these impacts. Consider prompting them with "How is this impacted by the current economy" or "What cultural differences did you observe" or "How does this impact the environment" or ...
- How can I help the participants achieve the SLOs as well as develop their analytical reflection skills?
Periodic activities throughout the experience such as journaling, status reports, analysis papers, etc. which include feedback from the supervisor often help the students hone their critical thinking and reflection skills. Consider how these activities can fit into your class or experience.
Using the Grant Funds
- How do I make ALE purchases?
ALE funding, up to $1,500, is available for each new ALE experience to cover materials, supplies, equipment, and travel expenses related to a new ALEs. The process for making purchases with ALE funding is covered in ALE Training. Any additional questions may be directed to ale@tarleton.edu.