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.