TTU Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Improving Critical Thinking and Real-World Problem Solving Skills Through Active Learning TTU Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Improving Critical Thinking and Real-World Problem Solving Skills Through Active Learning A Component of SACS Reaffirmation of Accreditation April 11 – 13, 2006

Elements of a Successful QEP Broad Campus Involvement Supported by Research Findings Effective Methods of Assessment Supports Vision/ Goals of Institution Improving Student Learning Identified Weakness

Issues SACS Will Focus On Establishing the Focus Evidence of Broad Campus Involvement in Developing QEP Capacity to Initiate and Continue Assessment of Progress

TTU QEP Development Process A Three Year Effort New Vision & Mission New Strategic Plan

TTU Vision “TTU will be one of the best universities in the nation through a commitment to the life-long success of our students”

The QEP and Strategic Planning

Organizational Structure for SACS Leadership Team Compliance CommitteeQEP Committee Steering Committee University

QEP Committee Composition Dr. Barry Stein, Chairperson, Director of Planning Dr. Joseph Biernacki, Engineering - Professor Misty Cecil, Student Dr. Glenn Cunningham, Engineering - Associate Professor Theresa Ennis, Student Dr. Wade Faw, Agriculture - Director Dr. Ada Haynes, Arts & Sciences - Professor Dr. Sandi Smith, Education - Assistant Professor Gail Stearman, Nursing - Assistant Professor Dr. Thomas Timmerman, Business Administration - Associate Professor

Goals of QEP Committee Identify Weaknesses in Student Learning Suggest Topics & Strategies Vision Improved Life-long Success

Phase I Identify Weaknesses with Assessment Data Employer Surveys Teaching Evaluations - Objectives Selected Teaching Evaluations - Progress Ratings Enrolled Student Surveys Alumni Surveys General Education Test Results

Employer Survey

Progress on IDEA Teaching Objectives

Phase II Maximizing Involvement in Process QEP Topics Critical Thinking Problem Solving Creative Thinking Communication Teamwork Skills Life-long Learning QEP Topics Critical Thinking Problem Solving Creative Thinking Communication Teamwork Skills Life-long Learning Faculty Senate Deans’ Council SACS Steering Committee SGA Focus Groups

Feedback on QEP Topics Skills Graduates need for Success # 1 for Faculty = Critical Thinking # 1 for Students = Real World Problem Solving # 1 from Employer Survey = Problem Solving

Narrowing the QEP Focus Maximizing Participation Improve critical thinking/real world problem solving skills through the use of active learning strategies. With emphasis on communication skills With emphasis on teamwork skills With emphasis on creative thinking

Phase III Requesting Unit Participation

QEP Website

Phase IV: Analysis of Campus Input What was Learned: Areas of emphasis broadened participation Some Units Submitted Good Ideas Some Units did not

Stimulate More Faculty Involvement Teaching/learning Enhancement Grants for Faculty/Staff Adjustments to Process Replicate TTU’s Best Practices in New Areas Incentives for sharing best practices and mentoring

Additional Evidence of Broad Campus Involvement Over 100 unit and individual faculty/staff proposals submitted Proposals from academic and non-academic units

Capacity to Initiate and Continue $250,000 committed over 5 years to support grants, assessment, and administration of QEP Expertise in assessment and pedagogy available Additional funds available through external grants QEP is a key component of the strategic plan

Planned Assessments Implementation Indicators Student evaluation of progress Student performance indicators Alumni evaluation of progress Employer evaluation of graduates

Thank You