ELON COLLEGE, N.C. – Elon College students are among the most engaged and active learners in American higher education. That is the finding of the 2000 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), a project sponsored by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and The Pew Forum for Undergraduate Learning. Findings of the survey were released in August.
The survey, which received responses from more than 63,000 freshmen and seniors at 276 four-year colleges and universities, was designed to measure a variety of good educational practices. In October, national benchmarks based on the NSSE survey will be released, fostering a national conversation about what makes up a high quality collegiate experience. Often the amount of resources and college guide rankings are the only measurements used to indicate good practices in higher education.
Nine out of ten 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 classwork was more than double the national figures. Elon students indicated they are very engaged in and out of the classroom:
-Made a class presentation:
Elon students 58% National Average 43%
-Worked with faculty on activities other than coursework:
Elon students 28% National Average 12%
-Worked with other students outside class:
Elon students 72% National Average 49%
-Had completed or planned to do an internship:
Elon students 91% National Average 76%
-Had completed or planned to do community service:
Elon students 87% National Average 65%
-Had completed or planned to study abroad:
Elon students 71% National Average 24%
Elon students gave strong responses regarding the college’s contribution to their knowledge, skills and personal development:
-Being truthful and honest:
Elon students 77% National Average 61%
-Understanding other people:
Elon students 61% National Average 53%
-Learning effectively on your own:
Elon students 82% National Average 74%
-Using computer/information technology:
Elon students 78% National Average 70%
-Working effectively with others:
Elon students 80% National Average 70%
-Writing clearly and effectively:
Elon students 80% National Average 72%
Speaking clearly and effectively:
Elon students 70% National Average 62%
-30-