Hybrid Delivery of College Instruction in the Skilled Trades: Supporting Apprenticeship Completion

Hybrid apprenticeship courses can provide similar outcomes in reduced timeframe By combining online courses for theory and in-class learning, hybrid apprenticeship programs may be able to achieve comparable outcomes to traditional in-class programs, but in approximately half the required time according to a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). The […]

Is there a Best Fit? Assessing Alternative Entrance Pathways into an Undergraduate Degree for Non-Traditional Students at York University

Report examines alternate entrance pathways for non-traditional students There is no one-size-fits-all pathway into university for non-traditional students as they face different barriers and require varied supports, according to a new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Examining four entrance pathways into York University for non-traditional students, the report finds that […]

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Modified Peer Instruction in Large Introductory Physics Classes

Ryerson study examines learning activity in introductory physics course In the on-going quest for improved learning in large-class settings, an active-learning approach for an introductory physics course yielded mixed results, according to a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Modified Peer Instruction in Large Introductory Physics Classes examined […]

Affiliated and Federated Universities as Sources of University Differentiation

Affiliated / federated universities valuable players in Ontario’s postsecondary system Ontario has 16 affiliated and federated universities that are historically church-governed but became associated with one of the province’s publicly supported universities as primarily secular institutions. A new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) says that these institutions provide a distinctive […]

If You Build It Will They Come An Evaluation of Whiteboard a Networked Academic Profiles Project

Engaging students academically on social networks: the Facebook dilemma Social networks have tremendous potential to connect students in large programs, who might otherwise go through a four-year program without getting to know others who share their academic interests. But to engage these students, institutions face a dilemma between being present on public platforms like Facebook, […]

The Language of Learning Outcomes: Definitions and Assessments

Report examines the language of learning outcomes Learning outcomes – what students should know or be able to do at the completion of a course or program – are rapidly replacing credit hours as the preferred unit of measurement for postsecondary learning. But assessment has yet to keep pace with growth, according to a new […]

Evaluating the Effects of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Mentor Program

Study examines Windsor mentorship program’s impact on student retention A peer mentorship program at the University of Windsor has a positive impact on first-year students as well as senior student mentors, according to a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Established in 2005 to improve enrolment and retention by enhancing […]

The Effectiveness of Tutorials in Large Classes: Do they matter?

Tutorials in large classes – for best results go early and often Tutorials are designed to offer students in large classes the opportunity for a more focused discussion and direct engagement with other students and teaching assistants (TAs), but do they have an impact on academic performance? A new study from the Higher Education Quality […]

Discovering the Benefits of a First-Year Experience Program for At-Risk Students: Quantitative Follow-upAnalysis

Lakehead University examines impact of its Gateway program on student success A new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) examines Lakehead University’s Gateway program, which was developed to help non-traditional students – those who do not meet the entrance requirements but who exhibit academic potential – enrol and succeed in university. […]