The Topic Selection brainstorming session was held on March 5, 2014 in the James E. Walker Library IT/LTC. Members were presented with four questions to consider: 1 What kinds of knowledge and skills are important to the future success of MTSU students? 2 Based on data, what kinds of knowledge and skills do MTSU students need to improve? 3 Based on data, are there student population groups the QEP should target? 4 What types of experiences could most enhance learning at MTSU? Each member presented his or her findings and the group conferred to determine trends or themes that emerged as possibilities for a new program Question 1: What kinds of knowledge and skills are important to the future success of MTSU students? Writing effectively Oral/written communication skills Writing skills/communication skills Communication skills – expression through writing/speaking Communication skills – written and oral Communication: writing, speaking, listening Communication skills – written – interpersonal intercultural Speaking effectively Ability to communicate, verbally most important Communication skills – professionalism Communication skills Interpersonal communication – 1 on 1 small group Interpersonal communication Good interpersonal communication skills Communication skills – written – interpersonal intercultural Ability to see how other vocations interact with theirs Career readiness Career awareness Professional work ethic Professionalism Desire/knowledge on how to continue growing in vocation Literacy Quantitative literacy Digitally literate and agility Critical thinking skills (written 8 times) Critical thinking/problem solving Problem solving (written 6 times) Tangible problem solving approach/skills Problem solving/application of skills Solve real world problems Real life problem solving Decision making Independent learner Resourceful Independence Understanding and appreciation for diversity Global perspective A broader world view Intercultural awareness/diversity Communication skills – intercultural Ability to interact with people who think differently than they do How to work in teams (written 3 times) Social skills – ethics Ability to connect knowledge to applicable real life situations Real world skills/applications of vocation Understanding technology Technology imbedded in subject matter Discipline knowledge Technical/content knowledge Knowledge about differed disciplines and ways of knowing – history, natural sciences, social sciences, etc. Creativity Finding their place in the world Networking Adaptability Question 2: Based on data, what kinds of knowledge and skills do MTSU students need to improve? Writing Writing effectively Writing for understanding vs. creative writing Writing Writing effectively 
Oral/written communication skills 
Ability to communicate, verbally most important 
Interpersonal communication 
Good interpersonal communication skills 
Workplace communication Learning to give ‘elevator speech’ Professional/Career Readiness  Professional skills Professionalism – work ethic, diversity, responsibility Professionalism  Literacy  Quantitative literacy Digitally literate and agility  Critical thinking  Problem solving, critical thinking Critical thinking Critical thinking Problem solving  Tangible problem solving approach/skills  Independent learner 
Resourceful Understanding and appreciation for diversity 
Intercultural awareness/diversity 
Appreciation for diversity How to work in teams 
Social skills – ethics  Connections between knowledge and skills  Ability to see how other vocations interact with theirs  Basic math – fractions, percentages, geometry Benefits of constructive criticism Technological Time management Health/wellness issues Integration of ideas Question 3: Based on data, are there student population groups the QEP should target? Foreign First Generation First Generation Traditional Good students At-­‐risk All All Transfer Transfer Freshman Freshman Freshman/sophomores  Freshman and sophomores Lower division Lower division Freshman/sophomores Lower division Question 4: What types of experiences could most enhance learning at MTSU? New pedagogical experiences Active learning 
Active learning Active learning (Internships and job shadowing) Problem-­‐based learning 
Real world applied learning  Inquiry based pedagogy Project-­‐Based Learning In-­‐class simulations matched to out of class experiences  EXL at lower levels  EXL types of experiences  EXL in two connected courses Community-­‐centered experiential Experiential Cross-­‐Campus Service learning  Service learning Community service University service Internships  Internships Internships Job shadowing/internships Job shadowing  Connection with employers in field 
Discipline-­‐specific employer talks to fresh/soph students Learning communities/Linked courses  Learning community Learning communities Learning communities (2 classes) Linked classes Learning communities Community learning Engagement and community (in class and co-­‐curricular clubs)  Purposeful engagement Engagement Engagement Culture of engagement Multi-­‐national virtual groups linking global learners  Peer tutoring (study groups)  Peer learning Interdisciplinary classes  Co-­‐Curricular  Faculty-­‐student research Undergrad research/creative activity Customer service National Student Exchange Residence halls Gen. Ed. Themes (such as English for business majors) Setting expectations ePortfolios Engaged faculty Study abroad Customs to freshman transition Social media