Developing a QEP for SACS 2006
What is the QEP? Quality Enhancement Plan Focused plan for improving student learning 5 year monitoring of progress Identified Weakness New Initiative
Successful QEP Broad Campus Involvement Supported by Research Findings Effective Methods of Assessment Supports Vision/Goals of Institution Improving Student Learning Identified Weakness
TTU Vision SACS QEP University Goals Unit Goals TBR Goals Overview of Strategic Planning
QEP Committee Task Identify possible areas for improvement in student learning That are related to “life-long success” That are assessed and appear to be weaknesses That would generate broad campus interest Identify possible strategies for each focus area
Narrowing the Focus Vision Life-long Success Student Learning Measurable Weakness SACSTTU
Evidence for Weaknesses Teaching Evaluations - Objectives Selected Teaching Evaluations - Progress Ratings Employer Survey Enrolled Student Survey Alumni Survey Critical Thinking Tests
Employer Survey
Frequency – IDEA objectives selected
Progress on IDEA objectives
Weakness in Critical Thinking TTU CAT Test (avg = 53% of total) ETS Academic Profile (68% of TTU seniors not proficient)
QEP Topics Identified Improve communication skills Improve teamwork skills Improve creative thinking skills Improve real-world problem solving skills Improve critical thinking skills Improve life-long learning skills
Possible Strategies Use Active Learning Strategies that involve Real-world projects, service learning, coops Original research, role playing, simulations, case studies Cooperative learning, using information & technology effectively, alumni mentoring
Focus Group Results
Modified QEP Topics Improve critical thinking/real-world problem solving skills through the use of active learning strategies. With emphasis on communication skills With emphasis on team work skills With emphasis on creative thinking
Associated Benefits Improved Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Creative Thinking Communication Team Work More Student Engagement & Higher Student Retention Improved Confidence & Life-long Success Active Learning
Assessment Measures to Evaluate Progress IDEA objective selection IDEA progress ratings NSSE (increases in areas selected) Improved performance on the CAT Improved performance on the CAT and another national assessment instrument. Employer Survey
QEP Assessment Plan IDEA Objectives Implementation Indicators IDEA Progress Ratings NSSE Ratings CAT & CT Performance Measures Employer Surveys Early IndicatorsMiddle IndicatorsLate Indicators
Campus Units Enter Goals & Strategies for QEP Topics of Interest using QEP Planning Database
What is Critical Thinking Expanded Contemporary Emphasis From: Assessing Critical Thinking Skills, COC/SACS 2004 Meeting
Skills Assessed by CAT Evaluating Information Separate factual information from inferences. Interpret numerical relationships in graphs. Understand the limitations of correlational data. Identify inappropriate conclusions. Seeing Alternative Points of View Identify and explain alternative explanations for observations. Identify new information that might support or contradict a hypothesis. Comprehension & Problem Solving Separate relevant from irrelevant information. Integrate and apply new information in an unfamiliar domain. Use basic mathematical skills to help solve a real-world problem. Communication Communicate critical analyses and problem solutions effectively.