Students tell researchers they like it strict Ten Douglas College instructors are collaborating on a comprehensive study on what makes students excited about learning. The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Cohort wrapped up the second phase of its three-year research project in late November and will start analyzing the results this Spring. Already, the instructors say they found a few surprises. Results from the first qualitative phase of the cohort’s research, which helped develop the questions used in the second-phase quantitative survey, showed that, “The emphasis placed on the role of instructors was greater than we expected,” says Sociology instructor Alison Thomas. “Credit was really given to instructors for creating the atmosphere in their classes. Students really like no-nonsense instructors who are stricter. They love assignments and want as much work as you can throw at them,” says Thomas. Students also noted the importance of in-class participation by their classmates. “The students we spoke with say the contributions of other students is energizing. They dont like it when their classmates aren't involved,” says Thomas. Over 1,200 students representing every faculty participated in the quantitative survey. The cohort’s members include Thomas, Anna Helewka (Psychiatric Nursing), Lin Langley (Communications), Julia Robinson (Learning Centre), Susan Smythe (Geography), Sarah Stephens (Computing Science), Heather Tobe (Communications), Miriam Tynski (Nursing), Linda Von Tettenborn (Nursing) and Tom Whalley (English as a Second Language). Visiting Scholar Richard Gale gti - Vougias Coliege Scary Stuff and Institutional Research Manager Pam Bischoff advise the group. Seven Douglas College faculty made five presentations at an international SoTL conference at the University of Alberta in October. Thomas and Stephens gave a presentation on behalf of the cohort that generated a lot of interest from instructors and professors from other post secondary institutions. “What we're doing is unique because we're working as a cross-disciplinary, cross- campus team. We're pooling from different fields of study, which strengthens our research and the types of questions we ask,” says Smythe, who also attended the Fall conference to speak about the project. “The presentations were very well received and raised awareness of the commitment of Douglas to SoTL,” says Vice President Education Jan Lindsay. Thomas says taking part in such a study has been “a fantastically enriching experience.” “So much of my disciplinary research has been solitary. Taking part in this makes me feel like a part of what's going on here at Douglas.” nn ee : we LO17 iti ee ety Employees and students alike got into the Halloween spirit. Office for New Students Manager Kyle Baillie (above photo, centre), aka the Travelocity Gnome, gives student ambassadors Sarah Timewell, Lindsay Bacala, Carolyn Fong and Jay Schreiber some travel tips. Meanwhile, Office Administration instructor Titus Yip (at left) shows off a unique way of toting a teddy bear. Briefly Feeling festive? The David Lam Campus is hosting a decorating contest with judging and prizes to be given on December 5 at 1am. Following a walking tour, there will be eggnog and cookies. Employees are invited to decorate their office, lab, classroom or work area. Individual and group entries are welcome. Registration forms are on MyDouglas: go to Groups, then Groups Index and find Decorating Contest =I DEG. * Employee Relations will be closed for the period December 24 to January 1 inclusive and reopening on January 2. Requests for auxiliary staff must be submitted to Marie Gonzales by December 12 for the January semester. * Winter 2009 registration at the Community Music School has started. For details or to register, call 604-527-5469, visit douglascollege.ca/cms or email commusic@douglas.be.ca. * Aches and pains bothering you? Did you know there is now a massage therapist on campus? Come on down to the Centre for Sport, Recreation and Wellness and visit their new massage therapist, Dionne Brown. She will be on campus on Mondays and Fridays in Room 1242 (beside the Athletics equipment desk). To book an appointment or to inquire about 30 and 60-minute rates, please email Brown directly at dionnemariebrown1@yahoo. ca. * Earth and Environmental Science lab instructor Ed Frey led a geology fieldtrip for 17 primary to secondary school teachers in the Kamloops area. The trip was funded by a grant from EdGEO, a national organization that promotes earth science teacher education in Canada. The October 24 field trip was based on Geo Tour Guide for Kamloops, British Columbia, published earlier this year by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) and the BC Geological Survey (BCGS). Frey is a co-author, with colleagues from the GSC, BCGS and Thompson Rivers University. The authors have received an Earth Sciences Sector Team Merit Award from the GSC for the guidebook. * In Humanities and Social Sciences, Zarka Stojanovic moves from auxiliary to regular as Psychology Lab Technician, replacing Lisa Colling who has resigned. At The Training Group, Lezelle Rossdeutscher (formerly Mignot) returns to the Self Employment Program at New Westminster Campus. Health and Safety Quiz What can you do to avoid workplace hazards? Visit the Health and Safety website for the answer! douglascollege.ca/services/ facilities/healthsafety Email your answer to huberta@douglas.bc.ca before December 18 and be entered to win a prize! Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. only files to INside editor, CMO, Room 4700, New Westminster Campus; e-mail to kittelberg!@douglas.bc.ca; or call 604-527-5325. Printed by the Douglas College Printshop. ; INside Douglas College is published by the Communications & Marketing Office the first Tuesday of each month. Submissions and story ideas are welcome; deadline is 10 working days before publication. Email text-