Links and Information for Current Co-Op Employers

Working with Students to Develop Measurable Learning Objectives (MLOs)

Students enrolled in cooperative education earn college credit not for working but for the learning that results from working.  Measurable Learning Objectives (MLOs) are statements that clearly and precisely describe what a student intends to accomplish during a co-op course. These MLOs are an effective method to assess the student’s progress.

The employer’s participation in establishing a student’s MLOs is critical to a successful co-op; however, we don’t want you to write the objectives for the student. The instructor and co-op coordinator will assist the student with the actual drafting.  We do ask that you discuss the student’s job duties and responsibilities with the student and instructor, emphasizing skill development that is important in your work environment. Also, please note company or industry standards that you typically use to evaluate employee performance; these should be incorporated into the evaluation of the MLOs.

Examples with Acceptable Objective

• By the end of the semester, I will increase my sales by 5 percent while keeping complaints at or below their present level as judged by the sales manager.
• By the end of the semester, I will correctly produce 5 letters using Microsoft Word to the standards of ABC Corp., as evaluated by (supervisor's name).
• By the end of the term, I will correctly wire and install a minimum of 10 fluorescent light fixtures according to the procedures of XYZ Electric, as evaluated by my supervisor.

Examples with Poor Objective

• I will become a better sales person.
• I will learn how to use computers in a work environment.
• I will help wire a structure for light fixtures.

Employer Evaluations

On-site visit:  You will be contacted by your student’s Forsyth Tech co-op instructor to arrange a visit to your site during the student’s co-op work hours.  The instructor will want to meet briefly with you for an update on the student’s performance.  The instructor will use the attached questionnaire to collect your feedback. The instructor will want to see that student engaged in her job duties as well.

Employer’s End-of-Term Evaluation:  As the end of your student’s co-op work experience approaches, we will ask that you evaluate his performance using the online evaluation form.  To prepare to complete this evaluation, you may want to click on the link and review and possibly print the form.  Be aware that you can NOT save a partially completed evaluation.  Should you need to exit the evaluation before you have finished it, you will need to start over again. 

This evaluation is one of the key components used in determining your co-op student's final grade. We appreciate your contribution to the student's education throughout the semester and in completing this end-of-semester evaluation.