Elon College is one of the nation’s most effective institutions in engaging students educationally, according to the results of the 2000 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) released today.
Of 276 colleges and universities surveyed, Elon is named as one of only four institutions to score in the top 20 percent on each of five benchmarks of quality: level of academic challenge; active and collaborative learning; student interactions with faculty members; enriching educational experiences; and a supportive campus environment.
Other top schools are Beloit College (Wisconsin), Centre College (Kentucky) and Sweet Briar College (Virginia).
The survey, sponsored by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and The Pew Forum for Undergraduate Learning, collected information directly from 63,000 undergraduate students about the quality of their education.
Unique in its approach, the NSSE survey differs from traditional studies which rate institutions based on reputation and resources. Instead, it focuses on asking students about the quality of their education, revealing whether and how institutions are using their resources to provide meaningful learning experiences. Various studies have shown that the factor which has the greatest impact on student learning is engaging them in a variety of challenging, complimentary educational practices that reinforce one another.
Nine out of 10 Elon students surveyed said their Elon education is excellent or good. Participation in Elon study abroad programs was three times the national average and work with faculty on activities other than coursework was more than double the national figures.
“The NSSE survey findings go to the heart of what an Elon education is all about,” says Leo M. Lambert, Elon president.
“The survey focuses squarely on the
teaching and learning activities that involve students. Elon’s active and experiential style of education engages students, helping them build strong connections with faculty members, other students and our entire academic community. We take a great deal of pride in this important recognition.”
More detailed analysis on Elon’s survey results can be found on the attached fact sheet.
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