This is the fifth of 9 weekly e-mails designed to share interesting and important ideas from the 2005 PVCC Self-Study Report. Each week will feature a different employee perspective and original art from our own David Bradley.

Background

For clarity, Criterion Three is split into two parts.  This first part looks at student learning outcomes and how the College knows it practices and values effective teaching.  Having explicit learning outcomes is the first indicator of being a more learning-centered college.  These learning outcomes set the foundation for effective assessment practices, ultimately leading to improvements in student learning.  Evidence of effective teaching at PVCC is found in the highly qualified and professionally active faculty and in the variety of innovative  programs.

Reflections by: Karen Kabrich

What three things did Karen learn or find interesting?

1.    The Student Development Philosophy on which PVCC was founded has been focused and strengthened by our commitment to learning as our core value.

 2.    PVCC’s commitment to assessment infuses all levels of operation as demonstrated by the development of learning outcomes not only by the academic divisions but also by the non-academic areas.

 3.    Student involvement in learning strategies such as service learning, internships, and practicums has increased greatly since 1996, indicating that a great deal of student learning is currently taking place outside of the classroom.


What are three important Ideas for a first time visitor to PVCC?

1.    The Fall 2003 Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Survey reports that students rank their opportunities “to experience intellectual growth” at PVCC “among the top 10 items with which they are most satisfied.”

 2.    At PVCC the purpose of assessment at all levels is to provide evidence supporting the answers to two questions: “What are students learning?”  “How do we know?”   

 3.    PVCC programs such as Nursing, Early Childhood Education, and Dietetic Technology have been developed in direct response to community needs.

The Self-Study Report, including the complete text of Criterion Three, can be found at http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/~selfstudy/report/index.htm

 
Please direct questions or concerns to the Self-Study Coordinator Rick Vaughn, or use the anonymous feedback form on the left side of the Self-Study website http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/~selfstudy/ . A drop box for comments is also available on the second floor of KSC building.