Applying Rigorous Analysis to General Education Reform Eric Ruckh, David Sill, and Michael Palmer
BRIDGE and AQIP are central to SIUE Simultaneous processes Culture of rigor in scholarship of teaching and learning
AQIP Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association Alternative process for maintaining accreditation
AQIP Process Systems Portfolio Systems Appraisal Strategy Forum Annual Updates Action Projects
Systems Portfolio Regularly updated100 pages Overview and nine categories, including: –Helping Students LearnHelping Students Learn –Understanding Students' & Stakeholders' NeedsUnderstanding Students' & Stakeholders' Needs –Valuing PeopleValuing People –Leading and CommunicatingLeading and Communicating Systems appraisal every four years
General Education Reform Started with the Objectives Project 2003AAC&Us Greater Expectations Institute 2004AAC&Us General Education Institute 2005BRIDGE (Baccalaureate Reform through Integrated Design of General Education)
BRIDGE Phase IEleven design teams completed proposals by March 15, 2006 Phase IIThree design teams (May 2006) –Distribution model –Core curriculum –Learning communities March 29, All faculty meeting Fall 2007Faculty Senate action
ComparisonSystems Portfolio and BRIDGE designs Do they reflect the same culture? What are the underlying assumptions and frameworks? What can we learn from a rigorous analysis? Can theory and research improve practice?
Systems Portfolio
Theoretical Frame Loosely from Michel Foucault Structure of a text: Aims/Purpose Order/Relation Field/Unsaid Assumptions
Exercise Examine Page from Systems Portfolio –What are its aims? What relations does it establish? What are its unsaid assumptions? Examine Page from a design proposal –What are its aims? What relations does it establish? What are its unsaid assumptions? Comparison--Alignment –What is important or significant?
Report out What did you find? Were there any surprises?
Theoretical Frame In Application Aims/Purpose Order/Relation Field/Unsaid Assumptions Comparison of the two texts
Reflective Questions: What are the underlying assumptions and frameworks of your institutional culture? How do you know them? Do your institutional projects align with your universitys culture?