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| Changing the Higher Education System with Behavior Systems Analysis |
| Monday, May 31, 2004 |
| 2:30 PM–3:50 PM |
| Liberty C |
| Area: OBM/EDC; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Maria E. Malott (Malott & Associates) |
| Abstract: . |
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| Evaluating and Improving the Performance of the Faculty |
| MARCO WILFREDO SALAS-MARTINEZ (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Luz Maria Gutierrez Hernandez (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Martin Ortiz Beno (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Mario Miguel Ojeda (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Karla Lavarreda Martinez (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Elsa Aida Salazar Rodriguez (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Maria Victoria Baruch (University of Veracruz, Mexico) |
| Abstract: The present study was designed to evaluate and improve the current performance of the University of Veracruz’s faculty. Three hundred and sixty (360) faculty and 1,524 students randomly selected were surveyed to evaluate several aspects of faculty’s performance: class activities, study program, evaluation procedures, teaching techniques, instructional tools, students’ participation, motivation procedures, and application of behavior analysis principles. Faculty received feedback based on student evaluations, as well as guidelines for improving their performance. A follow-up survey was administered to the same students a month after their faculty received feedback and guidelines. This presentation describes the method used and the results obtained. |
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| Implementation of a Mission-Driven Strategic Plan and Its Impact in the University and Its Community |
| MARIA E. MALOTT (Malott & Associates), Marco Wilfredo Salas-Martinez (Pedagogic University) |
| Abstract: The Pedagogic University of the State of Veracruz has been engaged in a multiple-year application of behavioral systems analysis to enable its academic and organizational reform. Previous phases consisted of a detailed data-base study of the demographic, economic, and educational characteristics of the State of Veracruz; a detailed data-base analysis of the universities effectiveness, efficiency, and costs; and the formulation of a five-year strategic plan based on the previous analyses and focused on areas with highest opportunities for success. The areas of improvement identified were: significant disconnects between the university programs and basic the needs of the State; market saturation of degrees offered by the university; and inadequate resources, process, and physical infrastructure to prepare the students to impact the well-being of the state’s community. This presentation discusses the strategies implemented in each area of improvement, results obtained thus far, and next steps. |
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| The Transformation of the Open System at the University of Veracruz |
| AGUSTIN DANIEL GOMEZ FUENTES (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Luz Maria Gutierrez Hernandez (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Nydia Perez Chavez (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Elsa Aida Salazar Rodriguez (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Lilia Duran (University of Veracruz, Mexico) |
| Abstract: Five thousand students are enrolled in the Open System of the University of Veracruz. The Open System employs 500 faculty, offers 15 BA programs to non-traditional students, and is embarking on a process of academic restructuring as part of a larger initiative of the University of Veracruz. The reform centers on students’ learning, offers flexible academic plans, focuses in learning by doing, and integrates theory, practice, social service and thesis requirements under coherent areas of specialization. The academic changes are substantial in comparison to the traditionally rigid, theoretical, and departmentalized training existing in higher education programs in Mexico. This presentation will describe a pilot implementation and preliminary results of the new educational system in one of its programs (Pedagogy) and a roll out plan to the remaining programs. |
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| The Improvement of an MA Program in Behavior Analysis |
| ANA DELIA LOPEZ-SUAREZ (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Marco Wilfredo Salas-Martinez (University of Veracruz, Mexico), Sebastian Figueroa Rodríguez (University of Veracruz, Mexico) |
| Abstract: The MA in behavior analysis of the Institute of Psychology and Education of the Universidad Veracruzana has undertaken significant academic and administrative improvements in their pursue for the accreditation of excellence of the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico’s Federal Government (CONACYT). This presentation describes the strategies and improvements on the program’s curriculum, terminal efficiency, productivity and infrastructure. The curriculum was improved to enhance the skill set of the graduates and their impact on their organizations of their employers. Terminal efficiency was improved through the implementation of a behavioral research supervisory system. Publications and professional presentations productivity was strengthen by streamlining the lines of faculty-student research and providing specialized training. The infrastructure was better by the development of human operant research lab and the actualization of the bibliography relevant to faculty actualization and research. Implications for the long-terms success of the program will be discussed. |
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