We are working on a variety of professional development activities. One of the most promising has been what's called a "Focused Inquiry Group" (FIG for short). FIGs work by following a research process, collecting baseline metrics and then working on changes which are then tracked. The end goal is to produce increased, measurable student success and new curriculum and pedagogy which can be disseminated to both new and continuing instructors. For those who are familiar with Student Learning Outcomes, that's what's meant by "closing the loop." Here's a good overview of the FIG process:
FIGs.
Here is a document with suggestions and links to aid in FIG design and implementation.
Here is a summary of Humanities FIG work for Spring 2009 (written at the end of April).
English 350/355 FIG:Here is some of what the English 350/355 FIG has worked on:
350/355 Classroom Work and
350/355 Activity Labs Work. This FIG over the last three years has produced an
increase of 30% success in English 350/355, meaning we went from 45% of students successfully completing the course to 75% in the span of six semesters--you can find that data here:
350/355 Analysis.
Here is a link to a forum discussion that began over email.
English 370 FIG:For the Spring 2009 semester, the English 370 FIG will address issues of student success and retention. We are examining the role of the Writing Lab in student success, with revisions being made to the 370 Writing Lab project. In addition, based on data showing that the CME is the greatest obstacle to students passing the course, we are looking at potential revisions to the CME. Here are notes of what the English 370 FIG is working on:
370 FIG.
English 305 FIG:This is out lowest course in the developmental writing sequence, and it has historically been taught almost totally by adjunct faculty, which doesn't mean that the instruction has been poor, but it does mean that continuity of effort hasn't been there. This FIG is working how to increase the success metrics in conjunction with DSP. We're hoping that the work this inquiry group does will serve as a model for other cross-program FIGs at Solano College.
Here is what they're working on.
English Assessment FIG:Here is what the Assessment FIG is working on.
Reading FIG:
Here is what the Reading FIG is working on.
Math 310 FIG:
Here is what the math 310 FIG is working on.
Math Discussion FIG:
Here is what the Math Discussion FIG is working on.
An English 1 FIG and a Vocational FIG are planned for Spring 2009 but have not yet met.