Creating Transformative Student
Learning Experiences
Earlee Kerekes-Mishra, Manager of Intake, Retention & Transition
Tay McEdwards, Manager of Access Services
Agenda
• What is transformative learning
• Examine ways to create transformative student
learning opportunities using existing resources
• How to gain buy in and increase disability
awareness
• Activity
Goals
• Create transformative learning opportunities
using existing resources that will increase
disability awareness
• Identify new ways to use existing resources
• Explore how to leverage campus partnerships
• Expand opportunities for all students to gain
transferrable skills for future employment
What is transformative learning?
Transformative Learning Theory
“A change process that transforms the
structures of assumptions through which we
understand our experiences that shape and
delimit expectations, perceptions, cognition,
and feelings.”
How can we contribute to the success of all
students by creating transformative student
learning opportunities?
Step 1 – Transition Our Mindset
Transition our traditional mindset from, “those who
need us, will find us,” to targeted marketing toward
specific audiences to build relationships and
leverage existing resources.
Step 2 – Identify a GAP
Identify how your knowledge and expertise can
add to student learning experiences and
contribute to overall student success.
NACE 2016 - Attributes Employers Seek
Attribute
% of respondents
Leadership
80.1%
Ability to work in a team
78.9%
Communication skills (written)
70.2%
Problem-solving skills
70.2%
Communication skills (verbal)
68.9%
Strong work ethic
68.9%
Initiative
65.8%
Analytical/quantitative skills
62.7%
Flexibility/adaptability
60.9%
Technical skills
59.6%
Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
58.4%
Computer skills
55.3%
Detail-oriented
52.8%
Organizational ability
48.4%
Friendly/outgoing personality
35.4%
Strategic planning skills
26.7%
Creativity
23.6%
Tactfulness
20.5%
Entrepreneurial skills/risk-taker
18.6%
Table shows attributes employers seek. http://www.naceweb.org/s11182015/employers-look-for-in-new-hires.aspx
Why is this important?
• We, higher education, have a mission to educate
students to be well rounded, global citizens
• Statistics show that 1 in 5 people in the US have a
disability (2012, Census.gov)
• Many skills are not learned in the classroom, but during
other experiences, such as student employment or
volunteer services
Step 3 – Create Partnerships
Collaborate with existing resources to create learning opportunities•
Student Affairs/ Academic Departments
•
Faculty Research
•
IT Department
•
Center for Teaching and Learning
•
Student Employees
•
Contracted or volunteer note takers
•
Internship Programs
•
Cultural Centers
•
Tutoring Centers
•
Clubs and Organizations
•
Student Government
•
Other various campus resources………
Expand Learning Opportunities
• Disability related trainings
»students
»faculty
»staff
• Cross campus collaborations
» cultural center liaisons
» universal design technology
• Student panels
Student Employee Trainings
Image shows homepage of DAS employee training canvas site.
DAS Class
Image shows modules page of DAS employee training canvas site.
Image shows modules page of DAS employee training canvas site. Fall 2015 - history of disabilities
selected.
Online - Faculty Training
Image shows OSU DAS faculty training e-book homepage.
Lessons Learned
• Don’t be discouraged by low attendance
• Target messages – why is it important to them
• Collect feedback and make adjustments
• Offer multiple communication methods
In person
Online class
Online Tutorials
Website
Group Activity
What can I bring to the table?
What departments do I effectively collaborate with
and how?
What departments would I like to begin partnering
with and how?
Who can I strengthen my collaboration with and
how?
What resources on my campus could I use to
increase disability awareness?
Questions?