Study: Edison College students busy with their studies
SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY

Results from the spring 2007 Community College Survey of Student Engagement show that Edison College students exceed both the Florida community college and national samples in their engagement with academic courses, programs, and services. Since 2004, students report that they have greatly increased their investment in time studying, in communicating and working with faculty, and in using college support services.

"We participate in CCSSE to continually improve the quality of education we offer our students. Understanding where we are now is critical to determining where we should go and how we can get there," said Dr. Kenneth Walker, district president of Edison College. "Quality education shouldn't be only about inputs and resources, such as how much students already know when they arrive or how 'selective' a college is in admitting students. Quality should be about the student experience - about what we do to engage our students, help them achieve their educational goals, and ultimately improve the quality of their lives through education."

Research shows that the more actively engaged students are - with college faculty and staff, with other students, and with the subject matter - the more likely they are to learn and to achieve their academic goals.

The measured improvements in student engagement follow the completion of a series of college initiatives aimed at improving student success. For example, in 2005, the college implemented the MyEdison portal, a technology feature intended to improve communication between faculty and students. Also that year, the college embarked upon a plan to define and assess general education outcomes for students. In 2006 and 2007, the college continued to build organizational structures and processes to systematically address improvements to educational programs and services.

Edison College is a baccalaureate degreegranting community college with campuses and service centers in five counties, the largest geographical community college district in the state of Florida. More than 15,000 credit-seeking students attend Edison College each year to earn two-year degrees, four-year degrees, or certifications. Founded in 1962, Edison is the oldest institution of higher learning in southwest Florida. ¦