Students First! A “Learning Reconsidered Example”

1. Students First!A “Learning Reconsidered Example” Blaine Jensen Vice President Educational Services Douglas College

2. Learning Reconsidered • To support today’s learning outcomes, the focus of education must shift from information transfer to identity development (transformation). Transformative education places the student’s reflective processes at he core of the learning experience. The idea of transformative learning reinforces the root meaning of liberal education itself – freeing oneself from the constraints of lack of knowledge and an excess of simplicity. In the idea of transformative learning the purpose of educational involvement is the evolution of multidimensional identity, including but not limited to cognitive, affective, behavioral and spiritual development. Therefore learning , as it has historically been understood, is included in a much larger context that requires consideration of what students know, who they are, what their values and behavior patterns are, and how they see themselves contributing to and participating in the world in which they live. (p.10) • Learning Reconsidered, ACPA, NASPA 2004

3. Learning Reconsidered • A Campus-Wide Focus • integration learning & development • broad scope • Collaboration of learning outcomes • transformative education • practical framework for making a learning community

4. Learning Community • Learning is • multi-centric, holistic • rooted in meaning-making • integrates academic learning and student development. • support transformative education • All accountable at every level • Student Focused

5. Douglas College Context • BC Expansion 25 K seats • Degree Granting • New Leadership • Enrolment Changes

6. Academic Plan • Themes • First Choice institution • Recognized academic signature • Increasing student success & persistence • Regional collaborations • Substantial development of programs • Broadening the range of credentials

7. Academic Plan Development • Faculties Performed • Environmental Scans • External Consulting • SWOT Analysis • program gaps • new program ideas • balanced and sustainable growth • fit within marketplace

8. Foundational Documents A Path to the Future: College Vision and Academic Planning A Signature for Douglas College Learning First: Enhancing the Foundation Experience at Douglas College Student Success Taskforce

9. Students First! Creating a welcoming, engaging & supportive environment where the student experience and learning is paramount

10. Two Major Themes • Building Relationships with Students • Campus Ecology

11. Relationships with Students • Learning Service Philosophy • Define the Student Experience • Office For New Students • Student Leadership Program • Physical Environment

12. Institutional Validation • Consultation • Divisions • Educational Council • Unions • Students Union • Approval Sr. Management • College Board • January 2005

13. Learning Services Philosophy • Enhance skills, knowledge, lives • Achieve Goals • Respond to society Through • Classroom Curriculum • Co-curricular learning & development

14. The Student Experience • College Wide Forum • Participants: Faculty, Staff, Admin • Appreciative Inquiry

15. Key Elements • Student Defined Outcomes • Friendly &Personable • Satisfying and Engaging • Growth Promoting • Relevant • Supportive

16. Draft Model Lasting Experiences Personal Growth • Friendly & Personable • Growth Promoting • Relevant • Supportive • Satisfying & Engaging Mutually Satisfying Sensitivity & Responsiveness Holistic Positive Experience Connections/Relationships Exceeding Expectations Proactive Learning From Each Other Flexibility Mentorship Services Impact of Small Interventions Access to Key Information Empowered

17. The Experience Next Steps • Cross-College Group • Define components • Validate • Student Advisory Group • Introduce New Cultural Elements • Create Stories • Branding

18. Transformational Experiences • Transformational Role for Students • Quantitative • Qualitative • Developmentally Appropriate • Independence • Self-directed • Self-sufficient

19. Engaging Students • include students • communicate goals and strategies • alumni association • retention plan • currency with student issues

20. Campus Ecology People & Places

21. Campus Ecology - People • Support of Colleagues • Empowering employees • Policy to goals/objectives • Respectful workplace • College collaboration

22. Campus Ecology - Places • Physical facilities Communicate Messages • Welcome Centres • Campus Environment Committee • Entry to College • Signage • Colour • Open Learning Space

23. Tactical/Operationalizing • Creation of Rolling 3 Year Tactical Plan (Academic and Services) • Program and Services Reviews • Annual Review articles • New Strategic Plan • Melding Academic and Students First • Avoid “WE – They” as much as possible • Identification of Gaps

24. Learning Reconsidered • Campus-Wide Focus • Integration learning & development • Broad scope • Collaboration of learning outcomes • Transformative education • Practical framework for making a learning community

25. Questions? • Documents on-line: http://www.douglascollege.ca/instres/planning.html Contact Information BJ Jensen V.P. Educational ServicesDouglas College jensenb@dougllascollege.ca