The WASC Academic Resource Conference has ended as a
positive success with new research and approaches being presented. The conference focused on new education models, student
assessment, competency based education, and many other aspects of the modern
educational experience. Academic administrators and leaders piled into the
Hilton Hotel in San Diego between April 10th and 12th,
2013 to learn about the latest trends.
Of interest at the conference were the results of a number
of studies that included student assessment, preparedness of current students
entering college, teaching values, and a push to graduate students within four
years. These concepts fit well within the genre of the conference topics and
provided some insight into some of the struggles that modern colleges face.
The research on student preparedness indicated that a large
percentage of students entering into college are unprepared for the academic
work at the college level. Somewhere along the line public education failed to raise their skills to an adequate level. They
were weak on math, reading, writing, and other basic skills forcing some
colleges to provide remedial education to pick up their levels. Such students
were at risk for dropping courses or becoming academic causalities when they
couldn’t overcome the challenges.
In addition, a presentation on basic value systems and its
assessment were included as one of the presentations. This assessment included
a self-assessment and instructor assessment of student values such as
integrity, leadership, honor, and other constructs. As a methodology I believe
this is beneficial to teach students what these concepts are and encourage them
to think of their career development upon that line. Today’s students become tomorrow’s
managers and leaders and should have developed the right personality characteristics.
Hosted at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front the facilities
offered an
amazing view of the bay where ships of every type make their way to
port. Coast guard cutters, military battleships, private yachts, and sail boats
all come in for docking, supplies, and maintenance. From the upper floors of
the Hilton one can see a great distance and get a pretty nice view of maritime
happenings and ocean front.
The Hilton hosts a number of restaurants which include Bay
Breeze, Fox Sports Grill, Odysea, Vela,
Starbucks, Sweet Things, and more. There
is enough variety to satisfy just about any need. For conferences the hotel
offers over 1,100 rooms, wi-fi, and plenty of conference room. Staff are well
trained and willing to provide excellent service, directions, or help. You may
view the hotel at http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-san-diego-bayfront-SANCCHH/about/index.html