Academic Excellence & Innovation for Student Success by Nellis, Patrick https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079 Building upon our best work at MDC, what do we need to do next to achieve higher levels of excellence & innovation for student success? en-us 2022-04-06 14:20:48 UTC 2022-04-06 19:29:37 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1338826384/0c9256ecee545724ada1a0be6a6ac17c/light_bulb.jpg Campus Well-Being Centers https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133269614 What keeps our students from being ready has very little to do with academics.  It is having a safe, steady, stabile place to live, sleep and work.  It is having the economic resources and time to get into the classes they need that will move them forward, not to mention enough food and healthy food.  It is having quiet, safe places to study, rest, meditate, reflect, do their school-work.  It is having stable relationships and dealing with non-stable ones.  It is having enough support for dependent care.  It is having transport that is affordable and reliable.  

I believe the academic part is easy and doesn’t really require so much theory about brain development and critical thinking or whatever the latest is.  It is about providing the above things with dignity.  

]]> 2022-04-06 19:06:19 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133269614 Building on the Ten Learning Outcomes, we must first decide on an extended definition of Academic Excellence (and Student Success), perhaps tying in workforce needs (which are constantly in flux). https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133269837 2022-04-06 19:06:29 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133269837 The instructional process linked to the objective reality that the community is living, integrating curriculum and producing students interventions in the civic and social environment applying the principles explained in class, practical actions in the professional fields the degrees under pursuing by the cohort https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270007 2022-04-06 19:06:36 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270007 - we need to define what 'best practice' looks like for our diverse student body, then codify best practice and share best practice. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270090 2022-04-06 19:06:40 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270090 I think some of our best and most promising work to date includes faculty who work with institutes like iCED and EEI to bring the community into the classroom... https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270199 2022-04-06 19:06:44 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270199 Incorporate AI and VR in more classes to accompany/enhance the online course environment. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270485 2022-04-06 19:06:56 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270485 I think we need to work more on building HIPs into GenEd core courses. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270546 2022-04-06 19:06:58 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133270546 I'm thinking about the widening gap demonstrating the lack of success in communicating the importance of LOs to students. It makes me wonder, after so many years, is the LO initiative a losing proposition altogether? Is it useful or efficacious over the long term? https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133271483 2022-04-06 19:07:32 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133271483 We need to see more (effective) collaboration between student affairs and academic affairs teams...we are too siloed when it comes to how we work with students in unison. Students' experience a disjointed reality and this is not in their best interest. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133272471 2022-04-06 19:08:11 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133272471 College Wide Learning Outcomes are great as they are https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133274031 2022-04-06 19:09:11 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133274031 I agree that the outside forces play a huge role in deterring our students. Our current level of response is not adequate to meet the needs. Smaller classes, more sections, embedded tutors, are some of the ways that we can address individual needs in the classroom. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133274064 2022-04-06 19:09:12 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133274064 digital literacy pnellis3 https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133274083 this seems like a new territory and we may need to update our sense of "computer competency" for our students' sake ]]> 2022-04-06 19:09:13 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133274083 coordination in the instructional design and load, connections to the labor market in the public and corporate sectors, incorporation of the community to the co-curricular process, capacity to adapt the instructional process, participation of the community of the stake holders and right assessment of the real structure of the needs of the population served https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133274671 2022-04-06 19:09:37 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133274671 I know equity involves more than this, but we are revising the artifacts used to measure student learning to reflect more equity. Creating lesson plans and engaging in equitable practices in the presentation of the material is even more important. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133275500 2022-04-06 19:10:09 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133275500 I believe we need to increase/improve the manner in which we, as a whole college community, make sense of the student success data TOGETHER. I do not see a lot of performance data "digestion" in ways that are forward-facing, non-blaming, constructive, and creative/hopeful. We all should have/feel line of sight to the bottom line (which is student success), but few feel they make a difference towards it - this is problematic for us to achieve higher goals. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133275549 2022-04-06 19:10:11 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133275549 In looking at the gaps between skills prioritized by employers vs. educators, I wonder whether the 2 groups are simply talking past one another. In many cases, we don't speak the same language - what's referred to as "work ethic" by an employer, might well be considered "persistence + creativity" by an educator. Likewise "Teamwork" as identified by employers might be "Intercultural competence + communication skills" to educators https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133275817 2022-04-06 19:10:25 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133275817 The LO system must assess the main parameters in equitable conditions by program, producing the inclusivity of all the served and caring about the needs of the served in coordination with the strategic priorities of the institution https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133277811 2022-04-06 19:11:46 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133277811 Thinking of Holistic Student Success and the the Non-Cognitive Factors (which are so imperative to their success), we should normalizing the needs of our students. For example (just one from many), our students who may experience food insecurities. The pantry should be out in the open for everyone. Maybe having 'grab and go' type of snacks. Another example, every area/dept. considering a drop-in virtual presence as our students are navigating their new environments in this way. Engaging with them in Social Media...meeting them "where they are" https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133278161 2022-04-06 19:12:02 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133278161 Place more emphasis on clubs/organizations to create a community where students feel they belong. Think outside the box with state college fraternities and sororities- which help with retention because students would want to remain in good academic standing to be active. MDC has clubs and organizations now but they should have stronger ties to the community-which helps with the visibility of the college. All in all, create a campus environment that would make students want to come back and perform well in school. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133278292 2022-04-06 19:12:08 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133278292 Create international/global opportunities and a safe space where students can explore and free to innovate. Also support and encourage them to be the changemaker that they can be using interprofessional collaboration. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133278792 2022-04-06 19:12:27 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133278792 The motivation of the instructional personnel is a character that drives the vision and mission of the institution and its compromise with the population served https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133279339 2022-04-06 19:12:49 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133279339 This depends on the 'employers' in question. Working as a team is not a problem for our MDC students;working individually is. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133279397 2022-04-06 19:12:51 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133279397 I agree we may have to make sure employers & MDC are using the same definition for skills/mindsets; for example, digital literacy these days involves a lot of information literacy, unless the employee is somehow magically not getting any information from the internet at work or social media, or work-based social tools like Slack, etc https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133279683 2022-04-06 19:13:01 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133279683 The proper implementation of HIPs requires resources and accountability. Without compensation in the form of release time/task points for faculty, we may want very much to implement HIPs, but are not able to accomplish it. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133279921 2022-04-06 19:13:10 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133279921 Incorporate live streaming in all classes (in person and blended). If a student misses class, they can download the lecture. We should be a flexible institution. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133280648 2022-04-06 19:13:37 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133280648 About the wide gap between institution and employer about LO-- could it be a focus mismatch? Higher ed's focus on nurturing creativity & leadership in students may not match with workforce's focus on finding employees who are good at following instructions. There seems to be an expectation mismatch. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133280752 2022-04-06 19:13:42 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133280752 While we want to individualize learning based on best practice, we need to emphasize that seldom is success achieved alone. Working in groups is difficult for most and we learn if we are a leader or follower but to succeed in the evolving world of rapid technology and release of communication learning soft skills is often overlooked but much needed. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133281036 2022-04-06 19:13:53 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133281036 Caution needed: We need to choose and craft our partnerships with industry carefully. Chasing what employers want can lead to a vicious cycle in which we can't teach students to be critical of corporate practices. Relying on industry to fund our programs risks devaluing the humanity of our students. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133282076 2022-04-06 19:14:33 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133282076 https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133282193 Connect with Gen-Z using social media/ Update our website/ Rebrand and marketing to target different populations]]> 2022-04-06 19:14:38 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133282193 Is there a better way to assess success than the use of a Learning Outcomes framework? Could we start re-envisioning? https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133282514 2022-04-06 19:14:52 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133282514 The Strategic Agenda must bring the cap and gown to the overall factory uniform and the pencil, and notebooks transiting the industry tools, in order to serve the community. This action must be conducted preserving the character of the Caesar Salad and not the melting pot, every component must preserve their original flavors https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133283251 2022-04-06 19:15:21 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133283251 Be empathetic with students who are facing difficult issues and challenges at this time. Be available to actively listening and show compassion for our students. Show them that We care! https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133285093 2022-04-06 19:16:37 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133285093 The idea of mindsets, attributes, and competencies really resonates with me, especially as we think to the ever-changing landscape of work. The pace of change will only continue...which means different skills sets will always be needed (eg. tech, digital skills), but staying true to the core mindsets and attributes needed for the emerging economy is one way to "future-proof" our students...those are the foundations that will have them remain successful and forward-moving even when going through skills transition. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133285910 2022-04-06 19:17:10 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133285910 https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133286098 The Learning Outcomes initiative is currently being revamped to reflect more current artifacts and communication strategies in an effort to increase student participation and receive more robust and meaningful data. ]]> 2022-04-06 19:17:17 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133286098 Create more positions within the marketing department that is not only social media, graphics, and internal communications. Many other organizations of higher learning have specialized positions within marketing such as email marketing administrator, CRM Administrator, Ad/Media Buyer, automation expert. Should also have Marketing representative that is tied and works directly with student services and academic affairs https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133288011 2022-04-06 19:18:36 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133288011 We need to be more intentional about how digital tools are used in classes; now that we've had a little minute to catch our breath after being thrown into fully remote, then semi-remote classes, we need to look again at whether the tools we're using in our classes, and how we use these tools, promote equity; it's great to try to incorporate AI for example, but only if it's adding something to the student's learning or experience of the class; I feel like MDC is good about getting us access to cutting edge digital tools, but not so great at helping faculty think through how they are implementing these tools, and how these fancy new digital tools affect student retention and learning. https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133288627 2022-04-06 19:19:02 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133288627 https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133304090 We need to think outside of MDCPS. More community outreach and so forth. ]]> 2022-04-06 19:29:37 UTC https://padlet.com/pnellis3/51axcfsaxgk26079/wish/2133304090