NSSE 2002-2004 Longitudinal Comparison:
Level of Academic Challenge

Level of Academic Challenge Longitudinal Comparison: Freshmen
Averages
2002 2003 2004
  9a:Preparing for class (studying, reading , writing, doing homework or lab work, analyzing data, rehearsing, and other activities related to your academic program) 3.58 3.56 3.74
  Specific Item Examples:
1c: Prepared two or more drafts of paper before handing in 2.57 2.76 2.5
1d: Worked on paper/project that required integrating ideas or information from various sources 2.91 2.93 2.97
1f: Come to class without completing readings or assignments 2.06 2.11 2.13
3: To what extent have your examinations during the current year challenged you to do your best work 5.37 5.35 5.41
4b: Number of books read on your own (not assigned) for personal enjoyment or academic enrichment 1.73 1.89 1.84
5a: Number of problem sets that take you more than an hour to complete NA 2.57 2.64
5b: Number of problem sets that take you less than an hour to complete NA 2.78 2.93
1i: Put together ideas or concepts from different courses when completing assignments or during class discussions 2.32 2.33 2.3
2a: Memorizing facts, ideas, or methods from your courses and readings so you can repeat them in pretty much the same form 2.97 2.99 2.97
  4a:Number of assigned textbooks, books, or book-length packs of course readings 3.09 3.32 3.26
  4c: Number of written papers or reports of 20 pages or more 1.13 1.24 1.17
  4d: Number of written papers or reports between 5 and 19 pages 2.28 2.39 2.49
  4e: Number of written papers or reports of fewer than 5 pages 3.5 3.27 3.19
  2b: Analyzing the basic elements of an idea, experience, or theory, such as examining a particular case or situation in depth and considering its components 2.91 2.95 2.97
  2c: Synthesizing and organizing ideas, information,arguments, or experiences into new more complex interpretations and relationships 2.66 2.76 2.82
  2d: Making judgements about the value of information, arguments, or methods, such as examining how others gathered and interpreted data and assessing the soundness of their conclusions 2.7 2.78 2.69
  2e: Applying theories or concepts to practical problems or in new situations 2.77 2.84 2.85
  1r: Worked harder than you thought you could to meet an instructor's standards or expectations 2.48 2.56 2.46
  10a: Spending significant amounts of time studying and on academic work 2.87 2.98 2.99
 
Level of Academic Challenge Longitudinal Comparison: Seniors
Averages
2002 2003 2004
  9a: Preparing for class (studying, reading , writing, doing homework or lab work, analyzing data, rehearsing, and other activities related to you academic program) 3.96 3.58 3.61
  Specific Item Examples:
1c: Prepared two or more drafts of paper before handing in 2.61 2.5 2.53
1d: Worked on paper/project that required integrating ideas or information from various sources 3.28 3.35 3.32
1f: Come to class without completing readings or assignments 2.22 2.16 2.13
3: To what extent have your examinations during the current year challenged you to do your best work 5.28 5.28 5.16
4b: Number of books read on your own (not assigned) for personal enjoyment or academic enrichment 2.07 2.18 2.1
5a: Number of problem sets that take you more than an hour to complete NA 2.34 2.51
5b: Number of problem sets that take you less than an hour to complete NA 2.56 2.63
1i: Put together ideas or concepts from different courses when completing assignments or during class discussions 2.78 2.81 2.78
2a: Memorizing facts, ideas, or methods from your courses and readings so you can repeat them in pretty much the same form 2.8 2.75 2.77
  4a:Number of assigned textbooks, books, or book-length packs of course readings 3.04 3.08 3.07
  4c: Number of written papers or reports of 20 pages or more 1.52 1.56 1.7
  4d: Number of written papers or reports between 5 and 19 pages 2.76 2.71 2.74
  4e: Number of written papers or reports of fewer than 5 pages 3.34 3.6 3.54
  2b: Analyzing the basic elements of an idea, experience, or theory, such as examining a particular case or situation in depth and considering its components 3.05 3.11 3.12
  2c: Synthesizing and organizing ideas, information,arguments, or experiences into new more complex interpretations and relationships 2.88 2.95 2.78
  2d: Making judgements about the value of information, arguments, or methods, such as examining how others gathered and interpreted data and assessing the soundness of their conclusions 2.82 2.75 2.75
  2e: Applying theories or concepts to practical problems or in new situations 3.15 3.06 3.06
  1r: Worked harder than you thought you could to meet an instructor's standards or expectations 2.61 2.6 2.57
  10a: Spending significant amounts of time studying and on academic work 2.91 2.97 2.86