CEL facilitates multi-institutional research on engaged learning topics. Participants from institutions around the world collaborate over three years, producing scholarship that shapes research and practice globally.
CEL is home to two book series. In addition, CEL research seminars and other initiatives have produced 100+ publications (to date).
CEL’s concise guides offer research-informed practices for engaged learning.
CEL’s concise guides offer practical strategies for studying engaged learning.
CEL brings together international leaders in higher education to develop, synthesize, and share rigorous research on central questions about student learning.
The CEL Scholar role and CEL Student Scholars program enable Elon faculty and students to deepen their understanding of and professional development in scholarly activity on engaged learning.
Association of American Colleges and Universities, . 2015. "The LEAP Challenge: Education for a World of Unscripted Problems." Liberal Education 101 (1-2): 16-21.
This foundational document launched the Signature Work initiative as part of the Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) Challenge. It makes the case for preparing students to tackle complex, “unscripted” problems and defines Signature Work as a student-driven, integrative project. It also notes that students will often use ePortfolios to showcase their work.
Budwig, Nancy, and Amy Jessen-Marshall. 2018. "Making the Case for Capstones and Signature Work." Peer Review 20 (2): 4-7.
This article, from a special issue of Peer Review dedicated to the topic, synthesizes findings from institutions implementing Signature Work. The authors argue for framing the case for Signature Work in terms of student learning and best pedagogical practices, highlighting its benefits for diverse student populations.
Peden, Wilson. 2015. "Signature Work: A Survey of Current Practices." Liberal Education 101 (2): 22-29.
This article surveys how various institutions are implementing Signature Work, categorizing the approaches into three main areas: applied and community-based learning, capstones and culminating experiences, and e-portfolios. It offers practical insights into designing and embedding these experiences.