|
|
Introduction to Helping Students Learn
Helping Students (or Learners, as we refer to them at NTC) Learn identifies the shared purpose of all higher education organizations, and is accordingly the pivot of any institutional analysis. This Criterion focuses on the teaching-learning process within a formal instructional context, yet also addresses how the entire institution contributes to helping learners learn and overall learner development. It examines the institution's processes and systems related to:Learning objectives Mission-driven learning and development Intellectual climate Academic programs and courses Learner preparation Key issues such as technology and diversity Program and course delivery Faculty and staff roles Teaching and learning effectiveness Course sequencing and scheduling Learning and co-curricular support Learner assessment Measures Analysis of results Improvement efforts
REFLECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE COLLEGE'S STATUS ON THIS CATEGORY OVERALL: STRENGTH
Rationale: Northwest Technical College has a tradition of graduating learners with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to secure employment in their field. Historically, placement rates have been high and achievement on credentialing exams also reveal pass rates surpassing 90 percent and frequently at or nearing 100% for those programs with such exams. We recognize our responsibility for placing learners into appropriate courses when they enter NTC, assessing all entering learners in reading, math, and writing, and placing those whose scores indicate the need into appropriate College Readiness courses. As a technical college, many of our courses are heavily lab-oriented and active, providing hands-on learning approaches that allow learners to practice their skills and apply their knowledge. We provide a variety of learning modes, and many of our courses are web-enhanced. Many programs provide clinical and internship experiences that allow comprehensive application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes in real occupational settings. Each program focuses on assessing learning and using the results through its Assessing Learning and Program Effectiveness process, identifying direct and indirect assessments, setting performance targets, analyzing the findings from assessment tools, and putting the findings into action. Our Academic Program Vitality and Effectiveness Review process encourages faculty to analyze the effectiveness of their curriculum, instructional practices, and results of assessments to ensure that not only have our graduates learned, but that we have taught them the right things, annually reviewing and validating our program learning outcomes to be sure we stay on the forefront of changing occupational requirements. We encourage participation in leadership opportunities like Campus Government and Phi Theta Kappa, as well as participation in skill building opportunities provided by service activities, such as our dental clinics for the community, and participation in organizations like SkillsUSA. We recognize intellectual achievement through the naming of a Dean's List and Honors graduates. ________________________________________________ You can learn more about how Northwest Technical College helps students learn by clicking below or the menu on the left: Context Processes Results Improvements
|
|
Faculty and staff, please provide your feedback on the Systems Portfolio. Be as specific as you can be in providing suggestions for improvement, missing information, corrections, clarifications. Read more...
Faculty and Staff, please provide your thoughtful, reflective analysis of the College's current overall maturity in this category. How evolved are the processes and systems designed to support this aspect of the College? How consistent are the results? Read more...
|
