National Survey of Student Engagement, Academics

National Survey of Student Engagement

Earlham has been involved with the National Survey of Student Engagement since 2000. One of NSSE's goals is to provide diagnostic information to its college participants to improve undergraduate education.

NSSE results are reported in terms of "Benchmark Items," five indicators of effective educational practice. These are:

Level of Academic Challenge
Active and Collaborative Learning
Student-Faculty Interaction
Enriching Educational Experiences
Supportive Campus Environment

Here are a few statements of what we learned about the educational experience of Earlham students who participated in NSSE's 2009 survey.

Level of Academic Challenge

78% of Earlham first-year students reported that “they read more than 10 assigned books or book-length packs of readings.” This compares with 66% reported by first-year students at peer institutions and with 37% reported by all NSSE first-year survey respondents.

Enriching Educational Experiences

80% of Earlham first-year students said “the institution substantially encourages contacts among diverse peers.” This compares with 68% reported by first-year students at peer institutions and with 59% reported by all NSSE first-year respondents.

Active and Collaborative Learning

84% of Earlham seniors reported that they had “discussed ideas from readings or classes outside of class.” This compares with 74% reported by senior students at peer institutions and with 66% reported by all NSSE senior respondents.

International Experience

78% of Earlham seniors “had a study abroad experience.” This compares with 58% reported by senior students at peer institutions and with 15% reported by all NSSE senior respondents.

Links for Current Students

Level of Academic Challenge

Enriching Educational Experiences

Active and Collaborative Learning

International Experience