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Information Technology Services - Connecting from Home |
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College-WideIncluded here are strategies that can be implemented either College or Faculty-wide. They include research projects, professional development ideas and re-organization schemes.
Student Success Focus GroupsAlgonquin College in the Ottawa Valley (Pembroke), Algonquin College 04/05 and 05/06 QAF funded project. Initiative involved 3 meetings led by an academic facilitator and attended by full and part time teachers (the latter reimbursed for attendance) and students. Focus was on identifying strategies for improving student learning in the classroom. More information, Debra Balasevicius, Chair, Health & Community Studies Ext. 2753 First ImpressionsProposed activity in Transportation and Trades, Algonquin College Workshop with professional staff trainer and group workshop activities that give faculty a focus to come together as a team and review strategies for identifying and handling student problems that are likely to occur within the first ten days. The timing is important: the 4 hour session occurs during the week immediately prior to start of term. More information, John Paul Tapp, Dean, Disability AwarenessAberdeen College With the help of staff in the Student Development and Access Centre, faculty take part in a program each year to make their individual courses more accessible for people with non-traditional needs while staying within the required curriculum. More information, Case Study of Aberdeen College page 7 Teaching SquaresUOIT and Durham College Pilot project based on an established model. A peer-to-peer staff development initiative. Participants are divided into groups of four – the square. Each member of the group visits one class given by the other square partners. The purpose is to learn from other faculty skills like classroom management techniques, activities, teaching methods, etc. that they could apply to their own classes. It is not an evaluation scheme. Link to a handbook - http://www.open.uoguelph.ca/mhrconference/Resources/Widemanhandbook.doc
FellowshipsNapier University A response to the institution’s perceived need for leadership, this program provides fellowships for those teachers who apply through an open competition judged by portfolio. Reward is a teaching increment and permission to conduct research or other special projects. Fellows are invited to speak at annual conference. More information - Case Study of Napier University page 4 Link - http://www.ed.napier.ac.uk/TF/becoming.htm Lesson and Curriculum Development Implementing Student Success Strategies in CCP ProgrammingCareer and Academic Access Centre, Algonquin College 04/05 QAF funded project. Two faculty developed 9 themes to be incorporated into first year courses after performing a thorough review and consultation with students. More information, Lynn Hardwick-Howes, Academic Referral Centre, ext.5469 Foundation for Success (supplemental math course)School of Business, Marketing and management studies, Algonquin College 05/06 QAF funded project. Addition of a half-term course during the last seven weeks of term to an existing half-term course that ends mid-way through term. The course is designed for students who receive 60% or less during the first half of term. Designed to rescue students who drop out because of poor math skills. More information, Wayne McIntyre, Chair Marketing and Management Studies (Business), mcintyw@algonquincollege.com Active LearningFlorist program, School of Media and Design, Algonquin College 05/06 QAF funded project. Theory courses are supplemented with mini workshops (industry experts visit the program to provide professional critiques of floral projects) and field trips to nurseries etc. which help the students who learn through visual and hands-on demonstrations. More information, Lyn Whyte, PDPs (Personal Development Portfolios)University of Manchester (one of many examples) Required element in higher education institutions in U.K. May be adapted by program, used in tutoring arrangements or independently by student. Link http://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/studyskills/self_evaluation/pdp/ ILPs (individual Learning Plans)Aberdeen College Introduced five years ago in concert with the personal tutor system, the ILP is a document that the student produces to track past achievement, present activities and course work, career intentions and core skills. More information, Case Study of Aberdeen College page 3-4 Lesson Plans to Increase InclusivityDurham College Innovation Centre The focus of this strategy is the design of lesson that have inclusivity and usefulness to student with disabilities. More information, Maureen Wideman, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Maureen.wideman@dc-uoit.ca Independent Learning ModulesSouthampton Institute of Technology More information, Case Study of Southampton Institute of Technology pages 3 - 5 Link to paper - http://www.engsc.ac.uk/downloads/resources/independent.pdf
Alternatives to Regular Curriculum Delivery Models Unitization - Cumulative assessment rather than end of term assessment for students who need motivation through early success and were historically unable to finish a term due to interruptions or were completing one course while proceeding into another term Modularization - Separation of theoretical from practical components (e.g. in plumbing and construction) works well where students tend to drop out for seasonal employment Concentrated Units - Splitting of one course into separate units (where one is not the prerequisite of the other) enabling team teaching within and among departments e.g. creating a generic oral presentation unit that would work for multiple vocationally-based English courses. "Fat" Units - These courses or sections of courses incorporate more than one type of skill or a mix of disciplines in, for example, a project-based course.
Focus Group for GAS (General Arts and Science)Pre-Media and Communications, Algonquin College 04/05 QAF funded project. Research was gathered from students on concerns and issues resulting in some curriculum changes. More information, Odette Regimbal, Academic Chair, Marks Analysis for Identifying LearningSchool of Business, Algonquin College 04/05 QAF funded project. Development of an Excel spreadsheet document that details mark distribution in all courses by semester. Used to identify grade inconsistencies and ‘road block’ courses. More information, Doug Ouderkirk, Chair Accounting and financial Studies, ouderkd@algonquincollege.com Student Cohort StudyUniversity of Central Lancashire Longitudinal research provided by an independent researcher contracted from outside the organization to conduct research to gain a clearer picture of the experiences of a single group of students as they move from first day to graduation in one institution. More information, Case Study of University of Central Lancashire page 11 Longitudinal ResearchNapier University This project has used first year student surveys, follow up surveys, multiple factor analysis, deep data collection that extends from school to program to course to module and produces reports fro multiple audiences that include management, directors and faculty. More information, Case Study of Napier University page 3 Campus Re-organizationFirst Year Experience Office (FYEO), Carleton University Includes a full time coordinator and part time student staff positions to oversee activities for first year students. Includes orientation, handouts, last lecture series and open houses.More information, Jennifer Quin, Manager, Student Retention ProgramNapier University More information, Case Study of Napier University Link to faculty resources page - http://www.napier.ac.uk/qes/studentretentionproject/srphome.asp
Centralized Student Information CentreUniversity of Central Lancashire Purpose-built, highly visible location for many (but not all) student services including computer stations with Internet access, fax machines, telephones, staff to book appointments with specialists, enquiries about loans and fees, student union representatives, and space for tutoring and workshops. Staff trained in customer service. More information, Case Study of University of Central Lancashire page 10 Link - http://www.uclan.ac.uk/the-i/index.htm
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