Computers, the internet and the media were topics students overwhelmingly agreed they had learned most about while studying at PPCC. In response to a survey of community issues that most affected their learning, students rated technology the highest.

The survey was part of an assessment project to examine students’ abilities to apply knowledge of issues affecting their community. A total of 451 students participated. Students were most likely to agree they had learned about technology, diversity, economy, citizenship and culture. Students were most likely to disagree that they had learned about health or healthcare, family, the environment and infrastructure.

The second part of the project asked students to choose the issue that was most significant in their development at PPCC and to write a response describing how they could apply that knowledge to impact their community. Results showed that students had difficulty defining a specific community issue and clearly demonstrating how they could use what they had learned to positively affect their community.

Faculty participating on the College Outcomes Assessment Team designed the project, which was conducted in the fall 2010 through PPCC’s online course delivery system. The data was scored and analyzed before its release this spring.

According to the COAT group working on the project, issues related to the natural environment represent an opportunity for faculty and staff to make improvements. It was also recommended that faculty consider additional ways to incorporate discussions about community issues into their courses. In the fall, faculty will meet to discuss the results of the project in greater detail and make specific recommendations for action and improvement.