Monday, January 31, 2011

Newly released 'Research Snapshots'


UWEP researchers have been hard at work compiling concise and accessible "Research Snapshots" for the month of January.

The three released this month include "The Benefits of Higher Education for Women in Utah", "The Influence of a Father on a Daughter's College Decision", and "The Influence of a Mother on a Daughter's College Decision".

Each of these can be viewed on the recently updated UWEP website, simply click on the headline above to be taken straight there. Additional "Research Snapshots" are in the works for the coming months, each of which will focus on a different aspect of the research results. To stay updated continue visiting our blog and website.

Monday, January 3, 2011

UWEP and engagement initiative intend to increase graduation rates

Courtesy of The Salt Lake Tribune

On Dec. 20 The Salt Lake Tribune highlighted UVU in its attempt to increase graduation rates through engaging students on and off campus.

UWEP was highlighted in the article for its efforts to encourage women in completing college degrees.It has also allowed students to become active in furthering this goal.

To read the full article click on the headline above.

U.S. student scores rank lower than other countries


On Dec. 7 NPR aired a discussion between host Melissa Block and Michael Davidson of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) regarding results from a recent test that compared the educational attainment of youth from the world's countries.

While U.S. students did well on the reading/writing portions, they ranked number 15 through 25 in the subjects of science, reading and math. According to PISA, Shanghai, Finland, Hong Kong, and Singapore were a few of the top achievers.

One factor that plays a role in the educational success of these other countries, particularly Finland, is the fact that they handpick instructors who displayed discipline and talent in their own educational pursuits. Essentially, people who are passionate about learning and passing on their knowledge to students.

A downfall in the U.S., according to Davidson, is the heavy impact of social disparity.

"Something like 20 percent of the performance differences that we see in the United States is attributed to the social background of the students," Davidson said.

To listen to or read the full discussion, click on the headline above.