Writing Instruction Using an Online Assignment Planner

Research Summary: Integrating Online Writing Assistance into the Classroom Creates Challenges In an effort to improve writing skills, the Writing Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University developed a series of free online resources and tools for students. However, a recent study by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) found that even when integrated into […]

Developing Teaching Assistants as Members of the University Teaching Team

Research Summary: Teaching assistants (and their students) benefit from formal training programs Formal training programs for teaching assistants (TAs) inform their teaching practices and can lead to improved student learning experiences according to a new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. Developing Teaching Assistants as Members of the University Teaching Team  examined two […]

Hybrid Learning in a Canadian College Environment

Research Summary: College study: Successful hybrid classes still depend on instructor abilities College courses that mix traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning appeal to both students and faculty, but the success of these hybrid classes is largely dependent on the abilities of the instructor, particularly their technological skills, dedication and organization, according to a new […]

Recruiting Students for Research in Postsecondary Education: A Guide

Research Summary: Guide gives researchers tools to recruit students for research projects When research projects involve student participation, recruiting students is an important yet challenging part of the process. Recruiting Students for Research in Postsecondary Education: A Guide, published by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), provides an overview for researchers on how students […]

Large First-Year Course Re-Design to Promote Student Engagement and Student Learning

Research Summary: Students More Engaged When Instructors Focus on Interaction Instead of Lectures Many students are concerned about the learning challenges presented by large first-year university classes, particularly the “impersonal” nature of lectures. A new study by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that by re-designing courses to provide lecture content online […]

Active Learning Strategies in Introductory Financial Accounting Classes

Research Summary: Tracking Student Engagement Can Help Address “First-Year Problem” First-year introductory courses introduce a large number of students from diverse backgrounds to new material and learning environments. For instructors and administrators, the size and scope of these courses present student success, retention and engagement challenges, sometimes called the “first-year problem.”  A new study by […]

How Online Learning Affects Productivity, Cost and Quality in Higher Education: An Environmental Scan and Review of the Literature

Research Summary: Online education should bring effective learning and cost savings Online education has the potential to provide high-quality learning – for some students, in some fields of study – at significantly lower unit costs than traditional forms of instruction and those savings should help fund the cost of improving face-to-face learning, according to a […]

The Impact of Multiple Electronic Learning Resources on Student Academic Performance

Research Summary: Online Learning Tools are Most Effective When Focused on Interaction First-year chemistry students at Carleton University have access to a wide range of online and electronic resources, including a website with lecture slides and useful links and videos, a video on demand (VOD) service to watch lectures remotely and a collaborative homework management […]

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 […]