THE NEAG SCHOOL OF EDUCATION S ALUMNI SURVEY REPORT: ADULT LEARNING PROGRAM

Transcription

1 THE NEAG SCHOOL OF EDUCATION S ALUMNI SURVEY REPORT: ADULT LEARNING PROGRAM What do the graduating cohorts of 9- think? Mary E. Yakimowski and Kristina Piatek In collaboration with the - Neag Assessment Committee, Ji Jung, Yujin Kim, Arielle Rubin, and Marisa DelCampo

2 In this report, we present the results of a descriptive study of an alumni survey disseminated school-wide to the selected alumni the winter of. Alumni selected were those graduating in 9 through. Very A. Overall quality of instruction B. Range of courses C. Course content D. Up-to-date courses E. Quality of teaching F. Accessibility of faculty G. Quality of advising H. Courses challenge you to meet your fullest academic potential I. Program challenges you to meet your fullest academic potential J. Faculty involvement with students K. Faculty experience as practitioners L. Up-to-date equipment M. Sense of community with other students N. Clinic/Practicum/Internship (.%) experiences O. Job readiness (.%) P. Breadth of diversity and cultures (.%) Q. Cultural sensitivity R. Understanding people from other racial/ethnic backgrounds S. Encouraging interaction with students from different backgrounds Moderately Somewhat (.%) Somewhat (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) Moderately (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) Very 9 (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) No Opinion (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%)

3 T. Promoting an understanding of diversity and cultural differences overall U. Respect for the value of diversity in our culture and a desire to work with diverse populations (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) Please consider the above items and select up to three () that you believe need greater emphasis in the training provided by Neag School. B..9% C..% J..% K..% L..% M..9% N..9% O..% P..% Domain Ratings for respondents Mean Educational Quality.. Preparation.. Diversity.. Overall.. SD How satisfied were you with your preparation to do each of the following? A. Combine multiple approaches to solve problems B. Collaborate effectively with others C. Adapt to changes in your working environment D. Think analytically and logically E. Learn on your own, pursue ideas and find Very Moderately Slightly Slightly Moderately (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) Very (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) 9 (.%) No Opinion

4 necessary information F. Lead and/or supervise groups of people G. Formulate creative and original ideas H. Effectively use technology I. Consider the perspectives of others J. Conduct inquiry and/or research K. Understand research in professional journals (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) 9 (.%) (.%) (.%) Please consider the above items and select up to two () that you believe need greater emphasis in the training provided by Neag School. D..% E..% F..% H..% K..% How would you rate the Neag School of Education on the following characteristics? Poor Sense of community School climate Faculty with experience as practitioners Faculty involvement with students Quality of teaching Quality of advising Clinic experiences (.9%) Job readiness (.%) Cooperation - Neag School with other UConn schools Overall preparation Needs Improvement (.%) (.%) (.%) Fair Good Excellent (.%) (.%) (.%) (.9%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.%) (.9%) (.%) (.%) (.%)

5 Would you recommend the Neag School to someone else? Yes 9.% Why or why not? Good quality education which prepares you for many differnt fields and disciplines. Exceptional overall program...current research and insight...adult learning approach I think both yes and no. I feel a strong connection to my specific program, the faculty & my cohert. However I never felt a strong affiliation with the Neag School of Education as a whole. I always felt as though the k - education majors were the main focus of the school & I was not I the track. Overall, I had a very positive learning experience I had a great experience - I was challenged and had excellent classes. There is a wide-range of educational fields represented at Neag. Courses and faculty were first rate in the Adult Learning area. The faculty in the Adult Learning program provided an incredible learning experience, would highly recommend. It broadened my perspective for how adults learn beyond just training. What would you consider the most valuable experience offered by the Neag School of Education? Improvement in writing and research. Up-to-date courses with current research and concepts. The connections I made with others in my program who are also in my field. Those alliances have been invaluable to me. Capstone project, class facilitation, developing meaningful projects with groups and autonomously, and conducting researchthus helping to develop a greater range of learning strategies, stronger writing skills, stronger critical thinking skills, greater confidence in self directed learning abilities, stronger research capabilities Validation of my teaching philosophy! Small classes, group interaction. The supportive sense of community I felt with my colleagues and faculty members The real time consulting project I did with a colleague. What did you find least valuable? Lack of practitioner experience in faculty. I saw purpose and found enjoyment in everything that we did. Some redundancy in particular courses for Adult Learning. The classrooms weren't very up-to-date I feel that there could have been a little more done from the perspective of the business world. What, if anything, was missing? Capstone experience beyond comp exam/dissertation. I wish that the Masters in Adult Learning Program had practical/intern/clinical opportunities and career development/placement / mentoring available. I am still having a very difficult time finding a job within the field, because this is a career change and although I have the education, I'm lacking practical experience and the professional social

6 network that interning or clinical experience provides. A greater sense of community. Nothing! A little more of a focus on technology. Overall, how would you "grade" your satisfaction with your education at the Neag School of Education? A+.% A.% B.% B-.% C+.% Are you currently working in the general field for which you received training at the Neag School of Education? Yes.% No.% What is your current employment status? (You can select more than one.) Employed full-time in education.% Employed full-time in a field other.% than education Unemployed.% Please state your current job title (e.g., Elementary School Teacher, Athletic Trainer, School Counselor, College Professor). Manager Consultant Learning & Development Specialist Program Administrator Marketing Associate University Staff Director- Educational Outreach Instructional Designer

7 To what extent were the skills you developed while attaining your UConn degree helpful in getting your job? Count Percent.%.%.%.%.% Are you satisfied with your current employment? Count Percent.%.%.%.% What is your gender? Count Percent Male.% Female.% What is your age range? Count Percent -.% -.% -.% -.% What race/ethnicity best describes you? White/Caucasian 9.% What is the highest level of education attained by each of your parents? Mother Did not receive a high school diploma or GED Received a high school diploma or GED (.%) Attended some college (.%) Completed an undergraduate degree (.%) Father (.%) (.%) (.%)

8 Completed a graduate degree (.%) Don't know (.%) When did you start your last degree (or certificate) program at UConn?.%.% 9.%.%.%.%.% When did you graduate with your last degree (or certification) from UConn's Neag School of Education?.%.%.% 9.% What degree(s) and/or certification(s) were earned through your participation in this program? Master's.% th Year Certificate.% Doctorate (PhD, EdD, DPT).%