Heather LynchFor its second consecutive year, the University of Ottawa participated in the National Survey for Student Engagement (NSSE). This survey, administered by the Indiana University Centre for Post-Secondary Research, assesses student participation in programs and activities offered by institutions for learning and personal development. It is one of the main measurements of learning quality used at the University.
The survey results provide an indication of how students spend their time and what they gain during their university experience. The data also helps the University identify the areas of improvement and changes that could enrich student education and offer an unparalleled university experience.
Pierre Mercier, associate vice-president, institutional research and planning, believes the survey is extremely important for two main reasons. “The survey forms part of the University’s accountability vis-à-vis the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Secondly, and more importantly, the survey is consistent with our commitment to students as stated in
Vision 2010 — a university that places its students at the core of its educational mission.”
The main difference between NSSE and other surveys is that it asks more concrete questions. “Many of the other surveys are opinion-based,” says Mercier. “When we ask students if they are satisfied with their studies and they indicate that they are unsatisfied, we don’t know why.” NSSE, on the other hand, asks more behavioural-based questions, such as how many assigned readings do you have in your classes? If the University scores lower than other institutions, it is easy to determine exactly where the problem lies and what changes are required. The University also finds out what are its specific strengths.
“This is not a survey that will sit on a shelf and collect dust, but one that will figure prominently in our planning — one that will bring about change,” is a key message that Mercier would like to convey to students and the University community.
The University has decided to focus its efforts on approximately 20 specific areas for improvement to ensure a more integrated and collaborative approach to student engagement. Some of the areas that have been identified to date are creating more opportunities for students to analyze, synthesize, judge and apply theories or concepts. In addition, the University will strive to create a more open environment for student-faculty interaction by providing students with more opportunities to meet professors to discuss grades, assignments or career plans. In addition, Mercier notes that “the survey will assist in reshaping course content and restructuring programs that are more in-line with student expectations.”
The overall implementation of the proposed changes will take some time. Some will begin to take shape in the coming months, starting at the deans’ retreat in mid-October, while others will follow in the coming years. Student engagement is an important priority for the University and requires effort and support from all members of the community.
Related Link:
National Survey of Student Engagement
