Student Reports

Student Reports

Staff Observations

Objectives Envoys sets high expectations for students on our programs. As a result of our in-country activities, Envoys staff have the rare privilege to witness students developing in amazing ways.

We push them to gain new skillsets, mindsets, and insights about the world around them. The staff reports provide one viewpoint into the particular gains made by each individual student as well as the areas where further growth is needed.

Process Each Envoys staff member independently rates the student according to observed behaviors and provides comments on student development during the trip.

Envoys staff members then meet as a team to discuss their ratings and comments. All final reports are the result of a consensus among staff members.

Rating Criteria Each behavior has a series of exemplars to ensure consistency among staff in conducting ratings.

The following describes the general criteria for each level.

Failure ➜ Behaviors were not observed by staff members ➜ Student consistently failed to respond to directions and encouragement from Envoys staff Needs Improvement ➜ Behaviors were only observed in response to direct guidance from Envoys staff ➜ Student consistently performed below expectations

Adequate ➜ Behaviors were observed independently of Envoys staff directions ➜ Student consistently performed at expectations Proficient ➜ Increasing behaviors or development observed during the program ➜ Student consistently performed at or above expectations Exceptional ➜ Student demonstrated outstanding behaviors throughout program ➜ Student among top 10 percent of all students encountered by staff member during career Please note that exceptional ratings are very rare in Envoys programs.

Student Report Lauren

Environmental Awareness Item

Final Staff Rating

Student demonstrated adherence to Leave No Trace Principles

Adequate

Student demonstrated awareness of importance of reducing impact of humans on the environment

Adequate

Student demonstrated curiosity about and respect for plants and animals

Exceptional

Student demonstrated comfort with natural environments and the outdoors

Proficient

Student assisted others to develop better environmental awareness

Adequate

Positive Youth Development Item

Final Staff Rating

Student demonstrated willingness to explore and try new things

Needs Improvement

Student demonstrated independence and ability to take care of self

Proficient

Student demonstrated ability to regulate emotions and respond to adversity

Proficient

Student demonstrated leadership, responsibility for others, and willingness to assist others to learn

Proficient

Social and Cultural Awareness Item

Final Staff Rating

Student demonstrated respect for other program participants and Envoys staff members

Adequate

Student demonstrated respect for community members with whom we interacted

Adequate

Student demonstrated empathic concern for others and engagement in perspective taking

Needs Improvement

Students demonstrated awareness of socioeconomic differences and different ways of life

Adequate

Students demonstrated desire to assist others in improving their positions in life

Adequate

Enriched Learning Item

Final Staff Rating

Student demonstrated retained knowledge from online courses

Adequate

Student demonstrated engagement with in-country lessons and reflective activities during the program

Proficient

Student asked questions and displayed curiosity during program activities

Proficient

Student supported others to learn during in-country lessons and program activities

Adequate

Student demonstrated motivation to continue learning after the conclusion of the trip

Proficient

Comments Lauren is strong, energetic, and charismatic, with the ability to rally others to follow her. She brought enthusiasm and intelligence to every activity. She eagerly dove into both the academic and experiential learning opportunities that were managed by the group.

During student-led exploration activities, we did notice that Lauren tended to lead students to areas that were within her personal comfort zone.

For example, during explorations of small towns, she tended to stick to well-known tourist areas until prompted by staff to move farther afield, and she also was reluctant to try new foods.

Lauren did show remarkable comfort in the outdoors, and we believe that this willingness to explore the natural world can be translated into other realms. It would be good for her to practice taking responsible risks to expand the boundaries of where she is comfortable and discover her full potential.

Lauren was always among the first to volunteer her thoughts on reflective activities, though she occasionally provided only a superficial response.

It would be good for Lauren to push herself to reflect on how her actions affect those around her, as her natural charisma caused the other students to consistently look to her for advice and approval. She usually upheld this role well, as she has little difficulty in voicing her opinion.

However, her natural leadership can be a dangerous quality if she is not conscious of listening to and encouraging her peers.

We believe that Lauren is in the middle of moving from being a ‘star performer’ to a ‘team leader’. If she can continue to develop her empathic sensibilities, she will go as far as she wishes in any field.