Results from the Unit Alumni Survey of Advanced Degree Students
Spring 2009
As part of our assessment plan, the College of Education (CED) at North Carolina State University is required to conduct alumni surveys. The information gathered from these surveys is used to improve the graduate curricula in education as well as provide vital information regarding experiences at NC State. In November 2008 the CED distributed an email survey to its graduates who have completed their Master's degree programs since 2005. Out of 140 email requests, 52 graduates completed the survey, a 37% response rate. 38 of the respondents were female, 14 were male, and 88% were Caucasian. The program with the most respondents was Curriculum and Instruction (n=11), withSchool Administrators (n=7) as the next largest group of respondents. All other programs had between 0-6 responders.
Overall, respondents answered questions favorably. However, the following were areas for improvement. First, graduate programs needed to include more online courses (n=28 who did not agree that their program offered online courses). Second, graduates did not agree that mentored experiences helped them (n=18). Lastly, some did not agree that the LeadServe Conceptual Framework had been clearly articulated in the program (n=13).
This survey has been linked to the LEADSERVE standards of the CED’s conceptual framework below the survey results that follow.
The following are the 18 text responses to the request for any additional comments.
I had a great experience at NCSU in the C&I Supervision program. My only complaint was that I had to work full-time while completing my degree. The faculty was great, and my advisor was the BEST! I contribute much of my success in the field to the preparation I received at NCSU.
Reiman and Neitfeld are great professors.
The portfolio requirement in the school administration program was a waste of time for everyone. Please review this curricular requirement.
I wish that I would have learned more content specific strategies. Outside of my reading in the content area course, I did not receive instruction in a wide-variety of strategies. That is the only complaint that I have with my experience at NCSU. Other than that, the program is fantastic and I have suggested it to other lateral entry teachers in my school.
Students new-to-teaching need instruction in behavioral management, with the balance tipped toward practice beyond theory.
I had great difficulty in finding available classes to take that would contribute to my degree. I eventually had to take online classes from another institution in order to finish. I found my degree program to be disorganized and arbitrary in its decision-making process. I could not receive my master's license for quite some time because of the inability of my advisers to give me clear, decisive instructions regarding the culminating thesis required for my program. Several of the lecturers teaching classes I was enrolled in behaved unprofessionally by not adequately preparing to teach their courses. These courses were underdeveloped and not helpful to my overall learning process because of this. Overall, I was disappointed with my degree program. The only thing I found to be truly valuable in my program at NC State was the mentored practicum portion. Most of the other experiences lacked the depth required for true preparation in the teaching profession.
The fact that I no longer work in the classroom has nothing to do with the quality of my graduate program at NC State University. The changing economy has forced me to pursue other career choices.
I am not in the field yet as my husband is in the Military and we are in a city where my field doesn't exist. We are moving to a new area soon and I hope to get back into my career field.
Need to form a better working relationship with the college of management so that there are several courses to choose from.
The most valuable course I took at NCSU during my graduate studies was Educational Diagnosis and Prescription. That course should be expanded to two semesters to allow for a more thorough understanding of both standardized and curriculum based assessments. I would have loved for the program to include courses in the education of children with autism, especially high-functioning autism. For the lateral entry teacher, more methods courses in each discipline would help a lot. Methods courses in reading and math are offered and are excellent, however coursework in teaching writing (in addition to the Kansas Strategies course) would be invaluable. It would also be nice if they were only offered during the fall and spring semester and not just during the summer. The area most needing improvement is in teaching classroom management. The course currently offered should be renamed what it is, a course in Applied Behavior Analysis, and a new course in classroom management techniques should be included in the special education graduate program. It is a vital skill that all new teachers, especially lateral entry, need to learn.
My advisers did everything they could to make sure that my unique circumstances did not hamper me in getting my degree. I received an individualized education while at NC State.
I enjoyed and learned more with my online NCSU graduate degree than I did with my on campus UNC-G under graduate degree. The advisors and teachers were WONDERFUL. The support staff were great and helpful! I recommend NCSU online to everyone. If I go back for a PHD it will be with NCSU. The only negative was taking two classes at ECU. I almost dropped out of the program because I hated the negative attitude of the ECU teachers and the meaninglessness of their tests. You had to remember outdated statistics rather than real life application items. Minor problem: be prepared for apathetic parents! It was quite a shock when I sent out over 90 letters (I see all 800 students in my school and teach them technology to get them ready for the 8th grade NC STate computer test) telling them that their child was failing and offering free tutoring and only getting back 3 to 12 responses a year. Sorry for the run on sentences. I only have a 25 minute lunch and wanted to get the survey completed.
Communication from some professors was very weak. This included grading practices and punctuality. Coursework proved to be a lot of busy work due to the on-line nature. I prefer face to face interaction and would not do a totally on-line degree again.
Thank you for a stellar education. I scored a 192 on my principals' licensure exam due to the prep I received. Dr. Trogden helped me more than I realized at the time I was in his class. His advice is practical and based on experience. I loved the professors in the department and was impressed with all of them, with the exception of Dr. Chin. The only "B" I received was for Dr. Chin's reserach methods class. He has since left the university, but it is unfortunate that so many of his students received atypically low grades due to his poorly constructed tests and his refusal to give written instructions for the term project.
The School Admin program was just right for my individual needs. I felt very prepared to enter the work force a leader in my field. The internship was most beneficial as hands-on application is always a plus. The only area I fell could have been better was data analysis and data sources. While the on-line class was very thorough and meticulous with statistical detail, the program did not suit my needs as a school administrator. In the times that we live, administrators must be able to analyse data and make decisions based on data. School Admin programs, in my opinion, need to specifically address data analysis needs and decision making based on data.
I still have to work on my leadership within the community levels.
Lead/Serve needs to be more front and center. I understood the conceptual framework but wish assignments were more closely linked to the elements. I think core classes would be helpful as well. I had to substitute alot of classesbecasue of the offerings. If there were college required courses they would always make.
I wish there was more hands on experiences in the classroom marrying content with practice in real ways instead of simulated way with students being brought to you at school.
QUESTIONS LINKED TO LEADSERVE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK STANDARDS
12. My graduate education at NCSU gave me a clear understanding of the research methods used by scholars in my field. LEADSERVE 5
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
19 36.54%
Agree
28 53.85%
Neutral
2 3.85%
Disagree
2 3.85%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
13. The technology skills I learned at NCSU during my graduate studies were complete and up to date.
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice) LEADSERVE 2, 4
52 responses
Strongly Agree
15 28.85%
Agree
24 46.15%
Neutral
8 15.38%
Disagree
4 7.69%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
14. There was open communication between faculty and graduate students about student concerns.
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice) LEADSERVE 5, 7
52 responses
Strongly Agree
26 50.00%
Agree
19 36.54%
Neutral
3 5.77%
Disagree
3 5.77%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
15. My faculty advisor was available and helpful during my program. LEADSERVE 5, 7
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
29 55.77%
Agree
12 23.08%
Neutral
6 11.54%
Disagree
3 5.77%
Strongly Disagree
2 3.85%
16. My program offered adequate online courses LEADSERVE 4
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
51 responses
Strongly Agree
13 25.49%
Agree
10 19.61%
Neutral
17 33.33%
Disagree
8 15.69%
Strongly Disagree
3 5.88%
17. The online courses in my program were of good quality. LEADSERVE 4
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
50 responses
Strongly Agree
13 26.00%
Agree
10 20.00%
Neutral
19 38.00%
Disagree
6 12.00%
Strongly Disagree
2 4.00%
18. I learned general pedagogy in my education classes at NCSU LEADSERVE 1
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
49 responses
Strongly Agree
17 34.69%
Agree
22 44.90%
Neutral
7 14.29%
Disagree
1 2.04%
Strongly Disagree
2 4.08%
19. I learned to educate with content-specific strategies. LEADSERVE 2, 3
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
51 responses
Strongly Agree
20 39.22%
Agree
22 43.14%
Neutral
4 7.84%
Disagree
4 7.84%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.96%
20. I gained a solid knowledge base that helps me to make informed decisions in my role within education. LEADSERVE 5
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
26 50.00%
Agree
23 44.23%
Neutral
1 1.92%
Disagree
1 1.92%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
21. My program prepared me to make ethical decisions and behaviors involving students, colleagues and parents. LEADSERVE 6
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
25 48.08%
Agree
18 34.62%
Neutral
6 11.54%
Disagree
2 3.85%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
22. I was prepared to be respectful in various professional situations. LEADSERVE 6
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
20 38.46%
Agree
26 50.00%
Neutral
5 9.62%
Disagree
0 0.00%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
23. My program enabled me to demonstrate integrity and maintain personal responsibility. LEADSERVE 6
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
23 44.23%
Agree
25 48.08%
Neutral
3 5.77%
Disagree
0 0.00%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
24. Through my program, I have become reflective and self-evaluative. LEADSERVE 7
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
22 42.31%
Agree
27 51.92%
Neutral
2 3.85%
Disagree
0 0.00%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
25. I gained knowledge that helps me continue to improve as a professional and meet the challenges of a changing world.
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice) LEADSERVE 4, 7
52 responses
Strongly Agree
23 44.23%
Agree
27 51.92%
Neutral
1 1.92%
Disagree
0 0.00%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
26. My program helped me understand how to be sensitive to cultural, economic, developmental, ethnic, racial, gender, religious, and sexual orientation differences. LEADSERVE 8
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
22 42.31%
Agree
21 40.38%
Neutral
6 11.54%
Disagree
2 3.85%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
27. Mentored field experiences and internships helped me in my current profession LEADSERVE 9
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
20 38.46%
Agree
12 23.08%
Neutral
12 23.08%
Disagree
7 13.46%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
28. I know how to apply research, philosophy, and theory in educational practice. LEADSERVE 5
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
21 40.38%
Agree
28 53.85%
Neutral
1 1.92%
Disagree
1 1.92%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
29. I am able to incorporate knowledge of the nature of the learner (including learning processes, abilities, and different learning styles).
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice) LEADSERVE 1, 2, 4
52 responses
Strongly Agree
24 46.15%
Agree
25 48.08%
Neutral
2 3.85%
Disagree
0 0.00%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
30. I can apply strategies to evaluate learning into the planning, delivery and evaluation of instruction. LEADSERVE 1, 2, 3, 4
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
26 50.00%
Agree
24 46.15%
Neutral
1 1.92%
Disagree
0 0.00%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
31. I am able to use research to examine and improve instruction. LEADSERVE 1, 2, 3, 4
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
21 40.38%
Agree
27 51.92%
Neutral
3 5.77%
Disagree
0 0.00%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
32. I demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in my discipline and in education. LEADSERVE 1, 2, 4
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
26 50.00%
Agree
23 44.23%
Neutral
2 3.85%
Disagree
0 0.00%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
33. I have been able to engage in continued professional development. LEADSERVE 5, 7, 9
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
27 51.92%
Agree
22 42.31%
Neutral
2 3.85%
Disagree
0 0.00%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
34. My program taught me how to be a leader at the classroom, school, and community levels. LEADSERVE 5, 7, 9
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
20 38.46%
Agree
21 40.38%
Neutral
8 15.38%
Disagree
2 3.85%
Strongly Disagree
1 1.92%
35. The Lead/Serve conceptual framework was adequately articulated in my program. LEADSERVE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
View individual answers Likert Scale (Multiple Choice)
52 responses
Strongly Agree
15 28.85%
Agree
24 46.15%
Neutral
7 13.46%
Disagree
4 7.69%
Strongly Disagree
2 3.85%
Graduate Alumni Survey 1