Work-Integrated Learning in Ontario’s Postsecondary Sector

Research Summary  Postsecondary work/learn programs align student skills with changing labour market Whether it is co-operative education, apprenticeships, service-learning placements or internships, work-integrated learning (WIL) can help Ontario colleges and universities respond to rapid change in the Ontario labour market. A recent Ipsos Reid survey found that almost a quarter of Ontarians with some postsecondary […]

Assessing the Validity of CCSSE in an Ontario College

Research Summary: U.S. measure of student engagement promising for Ontario’s colleges The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE), developed and used in the U.S., can be an effective tool to measure student engagement in Ontario’s colleges.  Student engagement has been a major focus of HEQCO research since the more actively engaged students are, the […]

College-Level Literacy: An Inventory of Current Practices at Ontario’s Colleges

Research Summary: Colleges need system-wide approach to help students with reading and wr​​​​​iting deficits to succeed in their studies  An increasing percentage of Ontario college students enter postsecondary education with a range of reading and writing abilities and often face challenges communicating at the level that is expected of them.  Ontario’s colleges are well on […]

University Faculty Engagement in Teaching Development Activities Phase II

Research Summary: Teaching quality a growing focus in university but research still more valued Despite increased emphasis on the quality of teaching in postsecondary education, a survey of professors at six Ontario universities finds that research continues to be more highly valued and have a bigger payoff in status and reputation. Conducted by a team […]

What are the Influencers of Graduate Satisfaction and Labour Market Outcomes of Ontario College Graduates

Research Summary: Graduate satisfaction is driven by more than getting a good job Getting a good job is a proven driver of college graduate satisfaction, but according to a new report written by two researchers at the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), it is not the only thing that counts.  From the currency […]

Advice on the benefits of greater differentiation of Ontario’s university sector

While several of Ontario’s 20 universities are internationally ranked, pressures on the postsecondary system are palpable. Increased enrollment is jeopardizing the range and quality of programs while a changing labour market demands postsecondary credentials. How can Ontario’s universities improve access, quality and international competitiveness while ensuring a system that is both sustainable and accountable? A […]

The Benefits of Greater Differentiation of Ontario’s University Sector

Research Summary: While several of Ontario’s 20 universities are internationally ranked, pressures on the postsecondary system are palpable. Increased enrollment is jeopardizing the range and quality of programs while a changing labour market demands postsecondary credentials. How can Ontario’s universities improve access, quality and international competitiveness while ensuring a system that is both sustainable and […]

Implementing Engagement Improvements through Targeted Interventions: Final Report: Intervention Processes, Impacts and Implications

Research Summary: Prepared by Chris Conway, Queen’s University The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) is a tool for exploring institutional practices and student behaviours that are known to be associated with good learning outcomes. It is now administered by all Ontario universities as part of their Multi-year Accountability Agreements with the Ministry of Training, […]

The Effectiveness of the Peer-assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Program in Enhancing Student Academic Success at Carleton Univ

Research Summary:​ Report prepared by Dr. Carol A. Miles, Dragana Polovina-Vukovic, Darcy Litteljohn, Dr. Anthony Marini, Carleton University  Carleton University introduced the Peer-Assiste​d Study Session (PASS) program to assist students who are registered in traditionally difficult or high attrition courses, with combined D, Fail or Withdrawal (WFD)  rates  of  over  30  per  cent,  to  succeed  […]