Information Literacy Competency Standards for Students: A Measure of the Effectiveness of Information Literacy Initiatives in Higher Education

Research Summary: No Simple Solution for Improving Students’ Research and Critical Evaluation Skills The ability to locate, evaluate and accurately utilize complex information, often referred to as information literacy, is a critical skill for success in school, work and life. A new study by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) recommends colleges and […]

Ontario postsecondary system must increase productivity to maintain quality

While Ontario’s colleges and universities are already quite productive, constrained resources and increased demand mean the system must increase productivity to maintain quality, according to a preliminary report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). The report, The Productivity of the Ontario Public Postsecondary System, was initiated at the request of the provincial government to […]

Work-Integrated Learning and Postsecondary Graduates: The Perspective of Ontario Employers

Research Summary: New HEQCO survey: Employers want graduates with relevant work experience One of the first things employers look for when hiring graduates of Ontario’s colleges and universities is relevant work experience, according to a new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). The lesson for students: from summer jobs to volunteering, […]

Exploring the Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey (CGPSS): Results from 2007 and 2010 for Ontario Universities

Research Summary: Graduate students slightly less satisfied with quality of academic experience and student life While graduate student enrolments have increased dramatically in recent years, a new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) shows that graduates remain satisfied with their education, although satisfaction has dropped slightly since 2007. Project description Using […]

Researching Teaching and Student Outcomes in Postsecondary Education A Guide

Research Summary: Improving student success: Guide helps practitioners assess teaching and learning As the quality of higher education moves up on the public agenda, the scholarship of teaching and learning is moving front and centre in Ontario’s colleges and universities. Among the signposts: teaching and learning centres at most Ontario postsecondary institutions; the emergence of […]

Impact of Sheltered ESL Support Programming on Student Engagement and Academic Performance at OCAD University

Research Summary: Program-Specific ESL Courses Increase Academic Performance, Student Engagement Many English as a Second Language (ESL) students say their limited language skills create barriers to academic success, such as not actively participating in class, trouble collaborating with other students and increased difficulty working independently. A new study by the Higher Education Quality Council of […]

Performance Indicators For The Public Postsecondary System In Ontario, A Consultation Paper Prepared by HEQCO

The purpose of this Consultation Paper is to seek your comments, feedback, and advice on a HEQCO-led project to develop a set of performance indicators to monitor, evaluate, and improve Ontario’s public postsecondary system. For clarity, this project is designed to allow HEQCO to better fulfill its legislated mandate to provide an evaluation of the […]

The NSSE National Data Project: Phase Two Report

Research Summary: Efforts to Improve Student Engagement Should Be Aimed at the Program, Student Service Level Measuring student engagement is a valuable tool for postsecondary education institutions attempting to improve the student experience and evaluate educational quality. While student engagement surveys like the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) can be misleading when used for […]

Evaluating Postsecondary Supports For Ontario Students With Learning Disabilities

Research Summary: Provincial program improves academic success for students with learning disabilities Many postsecondary students with learning disabilities are apprehensive about disclosing their disability because they want independence and parity with their peers. But new research finds that those who utilize support services designed to level the playing field are likely to benefit through increased […]