Teaching and Learning The 2010 survey synthesis represents a decade of student opinion about the teaching and learning environment and overall student experience at the University of Saskatchewan. These summarized findings are meant to ensure that the student voice is included in the university planning process at all levels to address the emerging priority needs to support undergraduate and graduate students. This is one of the 10 fact sheets included in the launch of the 2010 survey synthesis. Each fact sheet focuses on a specific theme or aspect of the student experience as reported by University of Saskatchewan survey participants between 2001 and 2010. These surveys include the Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) and the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), among others. How satisfied are students with the quality of education and teaching at the U of S? From 2002 to 2010, the vast majority of U of S students (86-91%) were satisfied with the quality of education they received, which was consistently higher than their counterparts at our peer institutions (see Appendix B). Students were also satisfied with the quality of teaching at the U of S (79-92%). Our students believed the quality of the instructor had a huge impact on the student experience, where one negative experience could overshadow their positive experiences. In 2008, while one-third of undergraduate students cited an emphasis on teaching ability (excellence) as one area needing improvement, 60% listed it among their top areas for improvement. Are students satisfied with the personal attention shown to them as students? From 2001 to 2010, 63-79% of U of S students were satisfied with the level of individual attention they received from faculty or staff, which was similar to our peers. What is the ideal learning experience? For the complete list of surveys used in the 2010 survey synthesis, please see Appendix A of this package. In 2008, 85% of students said they preferred classroom instruction with online supports over strictly classroom-based instruction, a mix of online and classroom instruction, or solely on-line instruction. For more information about specific surveys at the University of Saskatchewan, please contact the office of Institutional Planning and Assessment (IPA) at: ipa_assessment@usask.ca. U of S students described their ideal learning experience as one where students had: personal interaction with their instructors; passionate and enthusiastic instructors; and courses including a mix of hands-on/practical experience, self-directed/active learning and discussion groups/seminars. Complete List of Fact Sheets in Initial Launch Package Pre-university ° First-year Transition ° Graduate Students ° Post-graduation Trends ° Teaching and Learning ° Student Finances Out-of-class Experience ° Major Facilities and Services ° Aboriginal Students ° Overall Satisfaction www.usask.ca/ip Teaching and Learning Are first-year students satisfied with their learning experience? Between 2001 and 2010, first-year students were less satisfied on a variety of aspects related to teaching and learning such as quality of teaching, student-faculty interaction and activities in the classroom (discussions, presentations, group work) than the rest of the undergraduate student body. What is an ideal instructor like? When asked to list the top qualities of an ideal instructor, students identified an instructor who is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and makes students’ learning a priority. Other qualities of an ideal instructor included: a passion for the subject area; practical/real world experience; communication skills; enjoyment of teaching; approachable, accessible, empathetic and professional. Are students satisfied with instructors in specific areas? In 2008, 72-91% of U of S students were satisfied with their professors on a range of items including accessibility, sensitivity to gender issues, personal interest in students’ academic progress and encouraging classroom discussions. Satisfaction with these items has improved since 2002 and was higher than our peers. The following key factors are related to students’ satisfaction with the quality of teaching at the U of S: Treating students as individuals Being accessible outside of class Encouraging class discussions Satisfaction with quality of teaching Looking out for students' interests Consistent and fair grading Intellectually stimulating learning experience Complete List of Fact Sheets in Initial Launch Package Pre-university ° First-year Transition ° Graduate Students ° Post-graduation Trends ° Teaching and Learning ° Student Finances Out-of-class Experience ° Major Facilities and Services ° Aboriginal Students ° Overall Satisfaction www.usask.ca/ip