As universities adapt to an ever-changing world, educators are increasingly connecting students with real-life contexts. This happens through collaboration with companies, communities, and public institutions. Yet, these vital efforts often go unnoticed within traditional academic systems.
To address this, the MAP EEC project has developed the Engagement Mapping Matrix, a practical tool designed to help higher education institutions (HEIs) identify, document, and recognise engagement in teaching and learning.
The Engagement Mapping Matrix
The Engagement Mapping Matrix provides a structured yet flexible framework for understanding and showcasing how educators engage with external partners to enrich student learning.
It helps educators and institutions to:
- Map engagement activities such as co-created courses, external collaborations, and partner-led learning.
- Reflect on impact through both quantitative data (e.g., student numbers, engagement hours) and qualitative insights (e.g., feedback, long-term outcomes).
- Recognise contributions by making educators’ engagement visible in career development, program evaluation, and institutional reporting.
Originally designed as a self-assessment tool, the Matrix has evolved into a multi-purpose framework supporting reflection, recognition, and organisational learning. It encourages dialogue between educators, departments, and institutional leaders about how engagement is practiced, valued, and promoted.
How it Works
The Matrix guides educators and institutions through a series of practical steps, from defining the purpose of their assessment to documenting outcomes and reflections.
It distinguishes three main categories of engagement:
- Value Co-Creation: Collaboration between educators and external partners in designing and planning education, such as co-developing syllabi, assignments, or case studies.
- Outbound Collaboration: Student learning that takes place outside the university, through internships, fieldwork, or company-based projects.
- Inbound Collaboration: Activities that bring external partners onto campus, including guest lectures, mentoring sessions, or innovation workshops.
These categories reflect the diverse ways educators connect academic learning with real-world challenges, ensuring that engagement is recognised as an integral part of teaching excellence.
Why Use the Matrix?
The Matrix offers benefits at multiple levels:
- For educators: A tool for reflection, self-assessment, and professional recognition.
- For program leaders and quality teams: A way to visualise engagement across courses and align it with institutional goals.
- For institutions: A foundation for promoting a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and societal contribution.
By combining reflection, data, and storytelling, the Engagement Mapping Matrix turns invisible work into visible impact, empowering educators and institutions to celebrate and sustain engaged teaching.
👉 Explore the Engagement Mapping Matrix and supporting resources: