LASA 1: Analysis and Evaluation of Current Curricula to Improve Student Learning and Success

[Name of the Course]

[Class]

Abstract

This research report analyzes and evaluates current curricula to improve student learning and success in the Centervale University System. The president of the Centervale University System has assigned a task to the chief academic officer for student services to review, evaluate, research, and re-design a curriculum and syllabus for the particular areas that are further identified in this report. The need for this report emerged, as the president has discovered that many of the students complained about the low levels of awareness and involvement of diverse populations throughout the system. They have been particularly vocal about the Diversity courses and curriculum. Since Centervale is a highly complex institution, therefore it actually and essentially requires a curriculum that encourages and supports students' level of interest and involvement in the registered course(s) or program(s). Centervale has an open admissions community college, a for-profit institute that does training and non-credit development, a highly competitive four year college, and a university on the same site and within same institution. The research paper intends to cover several steps to complete the report. First and foremost, a curriculum assessment will be conducted. Secondly, the chief academic officer will identify and evaluate the current research, theory, and best practices in the areas of diversity as appropriate for the part of the institution that will be addressed through this report. Thirdly, current research, theory, and best practices identified will be used to assess the current curriculum. In the fourth phase, on the basis of research and work done so far, a curriculum will be developed for this part of the university system that addresses the issues identified. In the fifth and the last phase, the work will be presented in a formal curriculum proposal, to the president.

ABSTRACTII

INTRODUCTION1

DISCUSSION1

Describes Institution of Higher Education1

Centervale University System, Organizational Structure3

Location, History, Description of the Complex3

School Mission and Vision4

Student Demographics (Ages, Gender, Enrollment, Undergraduate, Graduate, Persistence levels, and Retention levels)5

Faculty and Staff Demographics and Educational Preparation5

Other Demographics6

Identifies Critical Stakeholders (Both Internal and External)6

Internal Stakeholders Being Impacted by the Curriculum8

External Stakeholders Being Impacted by the Curriculum12

Evaluates Theories, Models, and / or Best Practices Used by the Institution's Curricula Relating to the Areas of Diversity13

Learning Centered Instruction13

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs13

Recommendations15

Effective Approaches in Curricular Development, Implementation, and Assessment Specific to the Chosen Institution and Areas of Diversity16

Describes the Benefits of Recommendations and How Will They Provide Better Support for Student's Success16

Sample Syllabus Implementing Recommendations17

CONCLUSION18

REFERENCES19

APPENDIX - A20

LASA 1: Analysis and Evaluation of Current Curricula to Improve Student Learning and Success

Introduction

In order to be successful, time should be scheduled to complete required coursework such as course readings, discussions, and applications. Scheduling time prevents procrastination, a detriment to success. According to Killion, et.al (2011), scheduling weekly blocks of time leads to establishing a learning routine and helps students to “get into a rhythm” (Killion, et.al , 2011). Scheduling time is one strategy to enhance success in an online learning ...