The CEAB accreditation requirement of graduate attributes and continual improvement processes (GACIP) has been a pervasive topic in the annual CEEA conference proceedings since 2010. The proceedings are a rich primary source of work being done in Canadian tertiary institutions. This narrative review of the literature consolidates and discusses the relevant CEEA papers for 2010-2017 in a manner that is useful to leadership and decision-makers at accredited faculties of Engineering nationwide.
Four guiding research questions were asked of this literature: (1) What general frameworks are being implemented as accredited faculties of Engineering across Canada approach GACIP?; (2) What are the specific activities and methods of one or more of the GACIP steps?; (3) What are the roles and responsibilities of people involved?; and (4) What perspectives are taken in response to the CEAB accreditation criteria, including concerns, issues, and benefits? A qualitative content analysis was conducted on 106 papers meeting selection criteria. Emergent topics were used to form the discussion.
Assessment is an essential step in the teaching and learning process. Traditional examination methods (closed-book, time-constrained, invigilated, multiplechoice) prevail in higher education despite support foralternative approaches wherein students construct knowledge through active, authentic activities. A review ofthe scholarly literature focused on merits and limitations of traditional closed-book exams in-person and in anonline, remote course delivery context, as well as benefits, concerns, and considerations of transitioning to open-book exams at a time of upsurge in online learning. Within the dichotomy of traditional versus alterative exam strategies, the literature is inconclusive on shared matters, including student academic integrity, study habits, anxiety, performance, and long-term retention of information.
Faculty resistance toward outcomes-based education (OBE) can be sorted into two categories— lack of understanding and lack of resources—and can be addressed by leadership through increased education and communication. With this in mind, the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta has created an online OBE Resource Hub on its faculty intranet, guided by the question, “What kinds of education and communication do faculty require to gain knowledge and acceptance of OBE, and therefore be engaged and motivated in the process?” Artifacts on the ever-growing site include theoretical and practical information in the form of articles, tipsheets, videos, and external links. This article showcases the site, since an initiative of this nature might be of interest to other post-secondary faculties working toward OBE.
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