Understanding the Gender Gap in Postsecondary Education Participation The Importance of High School Choices and Outcomes

Gender Gap in University Participation Traces Back to Early High School Decisions Recent studies show that women account for more than 60% of Canadian university graduates. A new study by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that the university gender gap can be explained by choices and academic performance in high school, […]

Outcomes Based Education Initiatives in Ontario Postsecondary Education Case Studies

Faculty buy-in necessary for success in outcomes-based education There is growing interest in outcomes-based education (OBE) initiatives that define, teach and assess learning outcomes. But getting faculty on board and changing their attitudes toward outcomes-based processes is important to the successful adoption of learning outcomes in Ontario’s postsecondary institutions, according to a new report from […]

Building a Sense of Community in Large Sized Classes via Peer and Self Assessment

Peer- and self-assessment build community in large classes A common criticism of large classes is that they are impersonal and restrict opportunities for students to interact with instructors and classmates. A new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that a learning technology based on peer- and self-assessment can help students […]

Students Weigh In National Analysis of Results from the 2013 Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey

Graduate students not happy with guidance on employment opportunities after graduation Data from the 2013 Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey (CGPSS) show that while graduate students are satisfied with the general aspects of their programs and their student experience, they are not when it comes to career preparation. According to a new report from […]

The Role of Intermediary Bodies in Enhancing Quality and Sustainability in Higher Education

Intermediary bodies useful to advancing postsecondary quality and sustainability An intermediary or “buffer” body between government and postsecondary institutions can help promote both higher quality and financial sustainability, according to a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Defined by report author David Trick as a government agency “that occupies a […]

Public Policy on Public Policy Schools

More transparency needed in public policy program differentiation Over the last decade, Canada has seen dramatic growth in the number of graduate programs in public policy and public administration. A new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that while this proliferation is fundamentally good, there should be greater transparency in […]

Canadian Postsecondary Performance: Impact 2015

Money can’t buy you love. When it comes to Canadian universities, the level of funding doesn’t predict performance…

Learning Outcomes Assessment A Practitioner’s Handbook

New handbook helps practitioners assess program-level learning outcomes Ontario’s colleges and universities have made strides in developing learning outcomes, yet effective assessment remains a challenge. Learning Outcomes Assessment: A Practitioner’s Handbook is a step-by-step resource to help faculty, staff, academic leaders and educational developers design, review and assess program-level learning outcomes. The handbook explores the theory, principles, […]

Multiple Case Study Evaluation of Postsecondary Bridging Programs for Internationally Educated Health Professionals

Funding, Lack of Clinical Placements are Challenges for International Health Bridging Programs Internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) are those who have completed health care training in another country, but who may not have the educational, professional or language requirements to be licensed to practice in Canada. Bridging programs are designed to meet the unique needs […]