Differentiated Evaluation: An Inclusive Evaluation Strategy Aimed at Promoting Student Engagement and Student Learning in Undergraduate Classrooms

Student choice in course evaluation can improve academic achievement Giving students options for how they will be evaluated in a university course can improve academic achievement and the learning experience, according to a new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Differentiated Evaluation: An Inclusive Evaluation Strategy Aimed at Promoting Student Engagement […]

Undergraduates Understanding of Skill based Learning Outcomes: Can e-portfolios Help?

Many University Undergraduates Struggle to Articulate Skills Learned in Class While students understand what many of the transferrable skills sought by employers are, a new report examining psychology students at Brock University by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that university undergraduates may not have strong awareness of their skills and the […]

Opportunities for Non-Traditional Pathways to Postsecondary Education in Ontario: Exploring the Dual Credit and School within a College Programs

Dual credit programs ease transition into postsecondary education Targeted to high school students at risk of not obtaining their diplomas, the Dual Credit and School Within a College (SWAC) programs at George Brown College help students graduate from high school, improve their grades and ease their transition into postsecondary education (PSE), according to a new […]

Tuning: Identifying and Measuring Sector-Based Learning Outcomes in Postsecondary Education

Report How to use this document Appendices Note: Appendices A, E and F are in the report. Tuning Process Creates Practical and Measurable Learning Outcomes Ontario is part of an international effort known as Tuning that brings together experts from across institutions to develop relevant and appropriate learning outcomes in postsecondary education. The Higher Education […]

Productivity Implications of a Shift to Competency-Based Education: An environmental scan and review of the relevant literature

Competency-based higher education in Ontario? Proceed with caution Competency-based education (CBE) might be a pathway to improved postsecondary quality, accountability and cost containment, but a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) recommends caution in its application to Ontario’s higher education system. The borders between CBE and traditional programs are dissolving, […]

Innovative Practicum Models in Teacher Education: The Benefits, Challenges and Implementation Implications of Peer Mentorship, Service Learning and International Practicum Placements

Research Reports Appendix – http://www.heqco.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/Formatted_Appendices_Nipissing2.pdf Research Summary: Innovative teacher education practicums spark professional growth Faculty of Education students (teacher candidates) who participated in innovative practicums said they grew professionally and developed resilience and problem-solving skills, according to a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). The study,Innovative Practicum Models in Teacher […]

The Effects of a Required Faculty Development Program on Novice Faculty Self-Efficacy and Teaching

Research Summary: New faculty who participate in required development program more confident in their teaching Durham College’s Certificate in College Teaching, a required faculty development program, helped new faculty develop the skills they need to be better teachers, according to a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Faculty gained confidence […]

Researching Teaching and Student Outcomes in Postsecondary Education: An Introduction

Research Summary: New edition of research guide helps practitioners assess teaching and learning The second edition of Researching Teaching and Student Outcomes in Postsecondary Education: An Introduction is now available online.  The guide is produced by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. All sections have been updated, with additional content on student recruitment and ethics. Endorsed […]

Evaluating Critical Thinking and Problem Solving in Large Classes: Model Eliciting Activities for Critical Thinking Development

Measures to assess critical thinking in the classroom should be better integrated into the curriculum There is considerable agreement that critical thinking skills are a desired learning outcome of any postsecondary credential – important in both the personal and professional lives of students and graduates – yet how to measure these skills remains unclear. A […]