February 2011 Presented by Kimberly Cook QEP Topic Development Coordinator

 The QEP Task Force began meeting in September  We studied assessment information  We launched our official website:  We hosted the QEP Kick-off on November 1  Five Topic-Discussion Forums were held in November  QEP Ambassadors  QEP Focus Groups  From these focus groups, we have now identified a general topic area for the QEP

 44 Faculty and Staff  19 Students  24 Leaders*  TOTAL: 87 participants, divided into 8 groups  *includes deans, associate deans, and department chairs.

 included participants sharing their most powerful learning experiences  centered on the FIVE potential topics that emerged from the forums; pros and cons of each were discussed  Asked participants to choose which possible topic they thought would most enhance student learning at UNCW

 Applied Learning emerged as the main topic area that the QEP should focus on  Most participants said their most powerful learning experience included applied/active learning  This topic generated the greatest number of comments that identified its advantages.  Disadvantages were noted less often, and those comments were concise and tended to focus on more pragmatic, rather than general or philosophical, concerns.

 Other topics: ◦ Improve citizenship and civic/regional engagment ◦ Written Communication ◦ Critical Thinking ◦ International experience/Global Awareness  These potential topics were seen as legitimate components of applied learning, with critical thinking and communication skills seen as “products” of our QEP topic area.

 UNCW has a strong tradition with Applied Learning from which to build our Quality Enhancement Plan.  Definition: a pedagogical model that places students in authentic experiences ◦ applying theories, ideas, and skills learned to real-world problems. ◦ concentrating on extensions-of-the- classroom activities, which are usually outside of the classroom, although real-world needs could be brought into the classroom ◦ to apply knowledge to solve a problem and synthesize learning.

 Now, we need an actual plan - this is where you come in!  Call for pre-proposals from anyone on campus ◦ Pre-proposals suggest how we can weave this learning strategy into our curriculum. ◦ Distributed today, and on our website:  Pilot implementation in , and academic years.  SACSCOC Review occurs in spring 2013.

 Pre-proposals will be due on March 21,  The Task Force will host two workshops for writing pre-proposals on February 24th and 25th.  We have handouts with more information; you can also visit our website for all necessary info at  Discussion?