|
National Survey of Student Engagement
Pocket Guide
in
pdf or
word
Each year the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) asks students at
hundreds of colleges and universities to reflect on the time they devote to
various learning activities. The topics explored are linked by previous research
on student success in college.5
The following responses were provided by 884 randomly selected Fayetteville
State students on the 2008 NSSE survey.5
To what degree is studying and spending time on academic work emphasized?
74%
of FY students feel that this institution places substantial emphasis on
academics.1
Do faculty hold students to high standards?
68%
of FY students frequently work harder than they thought they could to meet
faculty expectations.2
How much time do students spend on homework each week?
19%
of FY students spend more than 15 hours per week preparing for class. 28% spend
5 hours or less.
What types of thinking do assignments require?
First-year students report substantial emphasis on the
following activities:
Memorizing facts, ideas, or methods: 74%
Analyzing basic elements of an idea or theory: 75%
Synthesizing and organizing ideas: 72%
Making judgments about value of information: 76%
Applying theories or concepts: 76%
How much writing is expected?
7%
of FY students write more than 10 papers between 5 and 19 pages and 23% have
written a paper more than 20 pages in length.
How much reading is expected during the school year?
38%
of FY students read more than 10 assigned books and packs of course readings.
24% read fewer than 5.
Do exams require students to do their best work?
33%
of FY students report that their exams strongly challenge them to do their best
work.3
How often are topics from class discussed outside of the classroom?
61%
of FY students frequently discuss readings or ideas from coursework outside of
class. 2
Do students work together on projects – inside and outside of class?
57%
of FY students frequently work with other students on projects in class, 45%
work with peers on assignments outside of class.2
How often do students make class presentations?
46%
of FY students report that they make frequent presentations in class.2
How many students participate in community-based projects in regular courses?
22%
of FY students frequently participate in service-learning or community-based
projects during a given year. 2 50% never took part in such activities.
How many students apply their classroom learning to real life through
internships or off-campus field experiences?
By their senior year, 36% of students have participated in
some form of practicum, internship, field experience, co-op, or clinical
assignment.
Do students have opportunities to tutor or teach other students?
22%
of seniors frequently assist their fellow students by tutoring or teaching them.2
Are faculty members accessible and supportive?
39%
of FY students say their faculty are available, helpful and sympathetic.
How many students work on research projects with faculty?
By their senior year, 12% of students have done research
with a faculty member.
Do students receive prompt feedback on academic performance?
67%
of FY students indicate that they frequently get prompt verbal or written
feedback from faculty members.2
How
often do students talk with advisors or faculty members about their career
plans?
83%
of seniors at least occasionally discuss career plans with faculty. 4 17% never
talk with faculty members about career plans.
Do students and faculty members work together on committees and projects outside
of course work?
59%
of FY students at least occasionally spend time with faculty members on
activities other than coursework.4
What types of honors courses, learning communities, and other distinctive
programs are offered?
During their first year, 25% of students participate in a
learning community. By their senior year, 12% of students have taken an
independent study class.
How often do students interact with peers with different social, political, or
religious views?
53%
of FY students say they frequently have serious conversations with students who
are different from themselves in terms of their religious, political, or
personal beliefs.2
How often do students interact with peers from different racial or ethnic
backgrounds?
56%
of FY students frequently have serious conversations with those of a different
race.2
How many students study in other countries?
By their senior year, 6% of students have studied abroad.
Do students participate in activities that enhance their spirituality?
38% of FY
students frequently engage in spiritually enhancing activities such as worship,
meditation, or prayer.2
What percentage of students participate in community service?
By the time they are seniors, 48% of students have
participated in community service or volunteer work.
How well do students get along with other students?
47% of FY
students report that their peers are friendly, supportive, and help them feel as
if they belong.
Are students satisfied with their overall educational experience?
76% of FY
students report a favorable image of this institution; 69% of seniors would
choose this school again if they could start their college career over.
How much time do students devote to co-curricular activities?
8% of FY
students spend more than 15 hours a week participating in co-curricular
activities. 48% spend no time participating in co-curricular activities.
How well do students get along with administrators and staff?
28% of FY
students find the administrative personnel and offices helpful, considerate, and
flexible.
To what extent does the school help students deal with their academic and social
needs?
72% of FY
students feel that this institution has a substantial commitment to their
academic success. 1 67% feel well-supported by the institution regarding their
social needs.
Notes:
1.
"Substantial" emphasis is defined by combining the responses to values of "Very
much" and "Quite a bit."
2.
"Frequently" is defined by combining the responses to values of "Very often" and
"Often."
3.
"Strongly challenge" is defined by combining response values of "6" and "7" on a
one-to-seven point scale where 1 is “Very little” and 7 is “Very much.”
4.
"Occasionally" is defined by combining the responses to values of "Very often,"
"Often," and "Sometimes."
5.
This information was provided by the National Survey of Student Engagement
Institutional Report for 2008
Data
source:
National Survey of Student Engagement 2008
| 
