UOIT results impressive for 2006 National Survey of Student Engagement
February 14, 2007
Students deliver strong endorsement through analysis of Canadian and American university undergraduate student experienceThe results of a comprehensive international survey of undergraduate university students show that the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is challenging its students academically, engaging them in active and collaborative learning inside and outside the classroom, and providing a leading-edge learning environment.
The results of the influential National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) conducted last year show that UOIT scored, on average, measurably higher than its Ontario counterparts in the survey's five key benchmark categories.
"We are incredibly pleased with the NSSE results and the positive educational experience of our students," said Richard Marceau, provost at UOIT. "When our students arrive on campus each year they quickly find their expectations of an innovative and academically challenging environment are exceeded by our globally trained professors, hands-on research opportunities, and laptop-based learning environment that allows students to connect with professors and peers at any time and from anywhere. As we move towards the convocation of our first four-year program graduates this June, these results continue to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring our students receive the very best education to help them reach their greatest potential."
The NSSE results allow academic institutions to measure how successful they are at engaging students in activities and programs that promote academic and personal development. Surveys were sent to 1,410 first-year UOIT students in February and March 2006, with 564 responding. Because UOIT was in its third year of operation at that time, there were no senior students to survey. Students were questioned in a number of areas, with key results grouped into five categories known as the Benchmarks of Effective Educational Practice.
For Level of Academic Challenge, UOIT's score of 54.2 was ahead of the Ontario average of 50.5, the 50.9 of a select peer group of U.S. institutions that compete with Ontario, and the 51.5 score for the entire NSSE population of 557 American and Canadian institutions. In Active and Collaborative Learning, UOIT achieved a score of 41.5 versus 34.3 for Ontario; for Enriching Educational Experiences the scores were 26.8 versus 24.4 respectively; for Supportive Campus Environment they were 59.8 versus 55.3; and in Student-Faculty Interaction they were 27.7 versus 22.
"The NSSE results confirm that UOIT is excelling at delivering a broad educational experience to students while challenging them to push their boundaries of thinking and learning," added Marceau. "It is very satisfying to be among the leaders in Ontario in every one of these key benchmark indicators, particularly when you consider it's a tremendous accomplishment just to excel in one area."
The answers to a number of questions were used to arrive at each benchmark score. Among those questions, UOIT particularly set itself apart from its peers when it came to using technology and encouraging collaboration among students.
When asked about the extent their experience has contributed to their knowledge, skills, and personal development in using computing and information technology, 89 per cent of UOIT students answered quite a bit or very much. The peer group came next at 73 per cent. When asked how often they have used an electronic medium to discuss or complete an assignment, students answered often or very often 87 per cent of the time with the Ontario group next at 61 per cent. When asked how often they have worked with classmates outside of the class to prepare assignments, the response was often or very often 73 per cent of the time, with Ontario next at 47 per cent.
UOIT also ranked above or equal to the comparative groups in the number of students who've worked harder than they thought possible to meet an instructor's expectations; in the relationships they enjoy with faculty members; and in their relationships with other students. Finally, when asked if they could start over, would students still choose UOIT, 85 per cent said probably or definitely yes.
UOIT remains committed to offering as much relevant information as possible to prospective students and the community at large. As such, UOIT and its university counterparts in Ontario will once again administer the NSSE during the 2007-08 winter semester. In addition, UOIT is participating in the Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) during the current winter semester by surveying first-year students and graduating students. The CUSC surveys measure the level of student satisfaction with various aspects of the university experience.
Together, the NSSE and CUSC results will provide UOIT with detailed and specific information that will be valuable in evaluating and maximizing the student experience.
The NSSE was developed by the Indiana University Centre of Postsecondary Research in the late 1990s and has been used throughout the U.S. since 2000. Some Canadian universities took part in the past, but UOIT and all other publicly-funded Ontario universities participated beginning in 2006 in an effort to improve accountability and focus on the quality of the student learning experience.
The results of the influential National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) conducted last year show that UOIT scored, on average, measurably higher than its Ontario counterparts in the survey's five key benchmark categories.
"We are incredibly pleased with the NSSE results and the positive educational experience of our students," said Richard Marceau, provost at UOIT. "When our students arrive on campus each year they quickly find their expectations of an innovative and academically challenging environment are exceeded by our globally trained professors, hands-on research opportunities, and laptop-based learning environment that allows students to connect with professors and peers at any time and from anywhere. As we move towards the convocation of our first four-year program graduates this June, these results continue to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring our students receive the very best education to help them reach their greatest potential."
The NSSE results allow academic institutions to measure how successful they are at engaging students in activities and programs that promote academic and personal development. Surveys were sent to 1,410 first-year UOIT students in February and March 2006, with 564 responding. Because UOIT was in its third year of operation at that time, there were no senior students to survey. Students were questioned in a number of areas, with key results grouped into five categories known as the Benchmarks of Effective Educational Practice.
For Level of Academic Challenge, UOIT's score of 54.2 was ahead of the Ontario average of 50.5, the 50.9 of a select peer group of U.S. institutions that compete with Ontario, and the 51.5 score for the entire NSSE population of 557 American and Canadian institutions. In Active and Collaborative Learning, UOIT achieved a score of 41.5 versus 34.3 for Ontario; for Enriching Educational Experiences the scores were 26.8 versus 24.4 respectively; for Supportive Campus Environment they were 59.8 versus 55.3; and in Student-Faculty Interaction they were 27.7 versus 22.
"The NSSE results confirm that UOIT is excelling at delivering a broad educational experience to students while challenging them to push their boundaries of thinking and learning," added Marceau. "It is very satisfying to be among the leaders in Ontario in every one of these key benchmark indicators, particularly when you consider it's a tremendous accomplishment just to excel in one area."
The answers to a number of questions were used to arrive at each benchmark score. Among those questions, UOIT particularly set itself apart from its peers when it came to using technology and encouraging collaboration among students.
When asked about the extent their experience has contributed to their knowledge, skills, and personal development in using computing and information technology, 89 per cent of UOIT students answered quite a bit or very much. The peer group came next at 73 per cent. When asked how often they have used an electronic medium to discuss or complete an assignment, students answered often or very often 87 per cent of the time with the Ontario group next at 61 per cent. When asked how often they have worked with classmates outside of the class to prepare assignments, the response was often or very often 73 per cent of the time, with Ontario next at 47 per cent.
UOIT also ranked above or equal to the comparative groups in the number of students who've worked harder than they thought possible to meet an instructor's expectations; in the relationships they enjoy with faculty members; and in their relationships with other students. Finally, when asked if they could start over, would students still choose UOIT, 85 per cent said probably or definitely yes.
UOIT remains committed to offering as much relevant information as possible to prospective students and the community at large. As such, UOIT and its university counterparts in Ontario will once again administer the NSSE during the 2007-08 winter semester. In addition, UOIT is participating in the Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) during the current winter semester by surveying first-year students and graduating students. The CUSC surveys measure the level of student satisfaction with various aspects of the university experience.
Together, the NSSE and CUSC results will provide UOIT with detailed and specific information that will be valuable in evaluating and maximizing the student experience.
The NSSE was developed by the Indiana University Centre of Postsecondary Research in the late 1990s and has been used throughout the U.S. since 2000. Some Canadian universities took part in the past, but UOIT and all other publicly-funded Ontario universities participated beginning in 2006 in an effort to improve accountability and focus on the quality of the student learning experience.
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