NSSE Analysis 2005 (cont.)
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ASC freshmen (n=72) report large and medium differences from the Selected Peers in five areas:
1. Academic and Intellectual Experiences
- ASC freshmen report using e-mail to communicate with instructors more than the Selected Peers. (large difference)
2. Reading and Writing
- ASC freshmen report instructors requiring textbooks and course materials more than the Selected Peers. (medium difference)
- ASC freshmen report writing more papers of less than five pages than the Selected Peers. (medium difference)
3. Additional Collegiate Experiences
- ASC freshmen report attending arts related events more than the Selected Peers. (large difference)
4. Institutional Environment
- ASC freshmen report attending more campus events and activities than the Selected Peers (medium difference)
5. Time Usage
- ASC freshmen report spending less time commuting to class than the Selected Peers. (medium difference)
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1999-2005 Trends In Masters Data
The NSSE survey has been conducted annually at ASC since 1999. ASC responses have been compared to the Master’s group and all participating NSSE institutions. For purposes of comparison, data from 2000 to 2005 has been compared, since 1999 is typically regarded as a “dry run” for NSSE. Careful examination of longitudinal data indicates interesting trends in six areas.
1. Academic and Intellectual Experiences
- Freshmen report with increasing frequency preparing two or more drafts of assignments and receiving prompt feedback from faculty on academic performance
- Seniors report with increasing frequency serious conversations with students from diverse backgrounds than the Masters group
2. Mental Activities
- Freshmen report with increasing frequency being asked to analyze, synthesize, make judgments and apply theories or concepts.
3. Time Usage
- Freshmen report with increasing frequency working for pay, both on and off campus.
- Both seniors and freshmen report with increasing frequency working for pay on campus more than the Masters group.
- Seniors report with increasing frequency working for pay off campus less than the Masters group.
4. Educational and Personal Growth
- Freshmen report with increasing frequency that ASC contributes to their writing clearly and effectively, speaking clearly and effectively, thinking critically and analytically, and using computer and information technology.
- Seniors report with increasing frequency that ASC contributes to their developing a personal code of values and ethics and playing a part in the welfare of the community less than the Masters group.
5. Quality of Relationships
- Freshmen report with increasing frequency friendly, supportive relationships with faculty members.
6. Satisfaction
- Freshmen report their satisfaction with their entire educational experience at ASC at an unchanging rate (2.97 mean on a 4 point scale). However, the reported level of satisfaction is consistently lower than the Masters group.
- Freshmen have increasingly reported that given the opportunity to start over they would still choose to attend ASC.
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Recommendations
As a way to reduce the number of differences that reflect negatively on ASC and to improve scores on other NSSE items, it is recommended that:
- 1. ASC implement local, mass administration of the NSSE to create a more representative and complete sample and, thereby, provide data useful at the department level.
- 2. Department chairs begin to develop strategies to educate faculty about what NSSE assesses and how NSSE can be used to improve student engagement.
- 3. A mechanism should be developed to distribute annual results to the department chairs and other interested decision-makers.
Note: This report, prepared by Dr. Kurt Keiser and Ms. Debbie Cunningham in consultation with Dr. Rob Demski, represents the collective efforts of the BEAMS (Building Engagement and Attainment of Minority Students) Committee: Dr. Rob Demski (chair), Ms. Barbara Friese, Dr. Robin Lipke, Ms. Debbie Cunningham, Ms. BJ Keefer and Dr. Kurt Keiser.