Measuring Student Success and Satisfaction in Technology-Enhanced Learning Studio Environments

Research Summary: Learning studios improve student and faculty satisfaction at Lambton College Learning studios, which offer enhanced teaching and learning technologies, flexible furnishings and an open layout, are gaining popularity in many educational institutions. But what impact do they have on student achievement and success, as well as student and faculty satisfaction? A study of […]

The University of Waterloo and Work-Integrated Learning: Three Perspectives

Research Summary: Waterloo Students Benefit Academically and Professionally from Co-op Involvement The University of Waterloo operates the largest postsecondary co-op program of its kind in the world, and a new report from Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that Waterloo co-op graduates feel they benefit academically and professionally and are more satisfied than […]

Beyond Labs and Libraries Career Pathways for Graduate Students

Research Summary: New reports explore the stark realities of the university doctorate  Doctoral enrolments in Ontario universities have nearly doubled over the last decade, with roughly two-thirds of doctoral students hoping to become university professors. Considering that Canadian full-time professors are now the highest paid in the world – working more hours but enjoying better […]

@ Issue Paper No. 15 So You Want to Earn a PhD? The Attraction, Realities and Outcomes of Pursuing a Doctorate

Research Summary: New reports explore the stark realities of the university doctorate Doctoral enrolments in Ontario universities have nearly doubled over the last decade, with roughly two-thirds of doctoral students hoping to become university professors. Considering that Canadian full-time professors are now the highest paid in the world – working more hours but enjoying better […]

Provincial government must adopt more active role in system planning

Ontario College and University Strategic Mandate Agreements Government must play a more active, assertive and purposeful role to drive system-level planning and change, according to an Expert Panel convened by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) that reviewed Strategic Mandate Agreement submissions from Ontario’s 44 public colleges and universities.  The Panel’s report, Quality: Shifting […]

Work-Integrated Learning in Ontario’s Postsecondary Sector The Experience of Ontario Graduates

Research Summary: Student survey says postsecondary co-op, internships improve employability skills Internships, field placements, co-op and other forms of postsecondary work-integrated learning (WIL) help Ontario college and university students gain practical work experience, enhance their résumés, improve employability skills and determine their fit with a potential career, according to a new study from the Higher […]

The Peer Helper Program at the University of Guelph: Analysis of Skills Objectives

Research Summary: Students Involved in On Campus Activities More Likely to Improve Key Skills Students involved with on-campus activities like student government, residence associations and peer mentoring are more likely to improve several skills valued highly by the labour market and postsecondary education, according to a new study published by the Higher Education Quality Council […]

The Impact on Writing Skills of Tablets in College Developmental English Classes

Tablet Devices a Useful Tool for Teaching Writing Skills Using tablet devices as a classroom tool allows for immediate instructor feedback and easier student collaboration, according to a new study published by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). And when used in a college developmental writing course, they improved attendance, participation and performance. […]

Bridging the Gap: The Impact of the ‘Teaching in the Canadian Classroom’ Program on the Teaching Effectiveness of International Teaching Assistants

Research Summary: Program helps international graduate teaching assistants manage pedagogical culture clash Graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) are a staple of university education in Canada.  Plentiful among them – particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines – are international students from other countries and cultures where higher education is primarily teacher-centered and where […]