Mission
Building on a strong tradition
of exemplary practice, the institutional mission approved by the North
Dakota State Board of Higher Education last spring states, in part, that
Valley City State University is a learner centered community  and
a leader in the effective use of instructional technologies. Our
own research findings validate what we have been doing to advance the mission.
IBM, the American Association
of Higher Education, National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher
Education, American Association of University Administrators, American
Association of State Colleges and Universities, Mid-continent Regional
Educational Laboratory, and others have found ways to endorse and approve
the transformational practices taking place at VCSU. We continue
to be engaged in all the “right stuff” and remain excited about and energized
by change! Years of commitment to learner centered education and
the effective use of instructional technologies demonstrate the leadership
role of an institution in sync with national priorities and expectations.
Good Practice
An interesting essay, Implementing
the Seven Principles: Technology as Lever, by Arthur W. Chickering
and Stephen C. Ehrmann, focuses on using technology tools in ways consistent
with the research-based Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate
Education, created by Art Chickering and Zelda Gamson:
1. Good Practice Encourages
Contacts Between Students and Faculty.
2. Good Practice Develops
Reciprocity and Cooperation Among Students.
3. Good Practice Uses
Active Learning Techniques.
4. Good Practice Gives
Prompt Feedback.
5. Good Practice Emphasizes
Time on Task.
6. Good Practice Communicates
High Expectations.
7. Good Practice Respects
Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning.
“If the power of the new
technologies is to be fully realized, they should be employed in ways consistent
with the Seven Principles.” The authors expand on appropriate uses
of technologies for each of these principles. Concluding their essay,
Chickering and Ehrmann provide concrete suggestions for both students and
faculty members, offer insight regarding institutional policies, and give
a word of advice to legislators and benefactors. The Seven Principles
relate closely to learner centered practices and effective use of instructional
technologies at VCSU.
The Learner Survey
Drawing on other surveys I created
during the past two years, I conceived The Learner Survey.
This tool will be used over time to document significant change and growth
related to the Valley City State University Mission. Some items are
based on learner centered principles referenced by the American Psychological
Association and the Mid-continent Regional Educational Laboratory in their
guidelines for school redesign and reform. The Learner Survey
given November 1998 was aimed primarily at entry-level students, and the
present report reflects those results. This survey will be given
a second time during the spring semester to students who are closer to
graduation. Data comparisons of the two should yield some interesting
findings and recommendations.
I gratefully acknowledge
Bush Grant support for this project, as well as Cyrus Kirby, student, and
Dr.Terry Corwin, faculty member, for their able assistance.
Kathryn Holleque, VCSU Professor
Division of Education and
Psychology
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Validating the University Mission: The Learner Survey