Seniors at Judson College in Marion rank significantly above students in other colleges in a number of key areas, according to the 2002 report from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).
According to Judson’s Senior Vice President Mark Tew, testing with seniors at Jusdon indicated higher than the national average scores in active and collaborative learning, student-facility interaction and enriching education experiences.
Active learning means that students are intensely involved in their education and are encouraged to think on their own, according to the published findings. Collaborative learning indicates students work with others in mastering principles and solving problems.
“This is good finding,” Tew said. “This shows we’re doing a pretty good job challenging our students intellectually and preparing them to work with others in their chosen careers.”
The student-faculty interactions section found Judson seniors scoring in the 57-percentile rank, while the national average is less than 44. “This means our students find our faculty available and interested in them,” Tew said.
“We’re teaching institution, not a research school. Our faculty is expected to invest in the lives of their students, and to offer career counsel. Small classes help in this regard.”
The student-faculty ratio at Judson currently is 12:1.
The enriching educational experiences section demonstrated Judson seniors found adequate technology to augment learning, and were significantly involved in internships, senior capstone projects and local community service.
Judson President David Potts encourages community service by frequently reminding Judson students and faculty to “nurture their community.”
Judson seniors are involved in campus ministry, tutoring in schools, Habitat for Humanity, Sowing Seeds of Hope, local church ministries and other projects as a way of making a difference in the Perry County area.
“All in all, this report is encouraging to us,” Tew said. “We’re constantly trying to improve the quality of education at Judson College, and it’s good to know we’ve had some measure of success.”
(JC)
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