Quality Enhancement Plan
A Component of the 2006 SACS Reaffirmation of Accreditation
Teaching/Learning Enhancement Grants to Support the QEP
Example Proposal Prepared using the Online Application System
(This is just one of many possible ideas)
Name: John Smart
Unit: Architecture
Goal:
Students in the architecture program need more experience solving real world problems and working on design teams. The goal of this proposal is to provide them with opportunities to work on architectural design problems in the community that would give them experience working with clients and contribute to the welfare of the community. Students will work in teams to help various community organizations (e.g. Habitat for Humanity, Chamber of Commerce, etc.), that have needs related to architectural design. The students will complete these projects as part of a senior level course ARCH 4900.
Relationship to
Potential University QEP Focus:
3 - Improve critical thinking/real-world problem solving with emphasis on team
work skills
Action Plan:
Community organizations that need assistance will be identified before the
semester begins. These organizations will be asked to provide general
descriptions of their design problems. Students enrolled in the course will be
assigned to teams and each team will select a design problem. Each student team
will review the other teams’ progress at key points throughout the semester to
encourage critical thinking about design issues. The faculty member will also
provide feedback to each team. At the end of the semester, each team will make
a formal presentation of their design proposal to an invited audience of
participating community organizations and the TTU community.
Funds are requested to cover student travel ($200), the cost of printing plans ($100), and the cost of materials for constructing scale models ($800). Funds are also requested for refreshments and hospitality at the final formal presentation ($100).
Method of
Assessment:
Students’ progress on learning to solve problems, think critically and work on
teams will be evaluated using the IDEA evaluation system. Students will also be
asked to complete a short survey provided by the QEP Director that includes questions modeled on several
items from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE – available on TTU’s
website) that relate to critical thinking, real-world problem solving, service
learning, and service to the community.
Faculty & Student Participants:
The primary participants will include Dr. John Smart and 12 students enrolled in this course. Additional faculty will be involved on a review panel and the final presentation will be open to all TTU faculty and students as well as participating community organizations.
Project Completion Date: June, 2008
Dollar Amount Requested: $1200