Page 4 - PCC Online Research Magazine_Community College Brief_First Issue

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to Include in
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Department
Improving Department Reports Reports

- Kim Wilson, Research Officer
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Producing department reports is a wonderful opportunity for departments to
gauge where they are relative to strategic and operational goals and ⌂ Enrollment (by cohort)
objectives.
⌂ Retention (by cohort)
Tips: Data Visualization and Analytics
⌂ Completion (by cohort)
• Numbers: When reporting numbers, comparable data should be
included to maximize meaning and observable trends. Where possible, ⌂ Dropouts/transfers
the numbers for the previous comparable period should be included.
As much as possible both raw score and percentage data should be
reported. They are many advantages in tracking numbers by ⌂ Staffing
cohort.
⌂ New Programmes
• Tables and charts are an excellent way to make the data pop at a
glance. The most important aspects of the data you wish to report ⌂ Pipeline Programmes
should be visualized by charts and/or tables. Don’t be timid about using
less familiar charts like scatter plots which can tell a powerful story at ⌂ Student Engagement/
a glance. As much as possible embed simple charts and tables in
the body of the report for easy reference. enrichment activities

• Course Performance: Pass rates, number of students enrolled, ⌂ Summary and
coursework average, and examination average. Student evaluation of
course/lecturer results (questionnaire) should be included in reporting Evaluation of student
on course performance. Compare pass rate to expectancy rate
(strategic objective). performance

• Student Performance: Ultimately we want to be able see how ⌂ Department growth
students are performing in courses as it relates to the overall goal of
completing their programmes. Early reporting on the number of and development
students failing 3 or more courses in a semester opens up the plans
opportunity for intervention towards improved completion rates.

⌂ Community

outreach/impact plans