Toronto, July 24, 2009– The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) today released a new research paper, Measures of Student Engagement in Postsecondary Education: Theoretical basis and Applicability to Ontario’s Colleges. Prepared by CCI Research Inc for the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario, this report starts by assessing the theory of student engagement and then discusses various surveys that can be used to gather information about the student experience.
“Student engagement surveys have been recognized as a tool to measure educational quality in our postsecondary education system,” said Dr. Ken Norrie, vice-president of research for the Council. “It’s important that our colleges and universities have good measurement tools that will enable them to focus their efforts in areas that will promote student success and help them to deliver higher quality education both inside and outside the classroom.”
Higher levels of student engagement have been found to be directly linked to better outcomes for students. The Council has been working with colleges and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to assess various student engagement survey instruments. Measures of student engagement as an indicator of quality have been part of the Ministry’s bilateral Multi-Year Accountability Agreements since 2006-2007.
To request a copy of the report, annotated bibliography and/or the survey questions, please email info@heqco.ca.
About the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario
The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario is an arm’s-length agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to ensuring the continued improvement of the postsecondary education system. The Council was created through the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act, 2005. It is mandated to conduct research, evaluate the postsecondary education system, and provide policy recommendations to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities with a view to enhance the quality, access, and accountability of Ontario’s higher education system.
For further information, please contact:
Ainsley Matthews
Events and Communications Coordinator
Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario
(416) 212 5248
amatthews@heqco.ca
www.heqco.ca