Two areas of study are Mental Activities and Reading and Writing. The charts below compare the average means of selcted groups in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). A description of the questions are followed by the corresponding charts.
Mental Activities
Memorizing
Memorizing facts, ideas, or methods from your courses and readings so you can repeat them in pretty much the same order.
Analyzing
Analyzing the basic elements of an idea, experience, or theory such as examining a particular case or situation in depth and considering its components
Synthesizing Ideas
Synthesizing and organizing ideas, information, or experiences into new, more complex interpretations and relationships
Evaluating Information
Making judgments about the value of information, arguments, or methods such as examining how others gathered and interpreted data and assessing the soundness of their conclusions
Applying Theories
Applying theories or concepts to practical problems or in new situations




Reading and Writing
Number of Textbooks
Number of assigned textbooks, books, or book-length packs of course readings
Books Read (not assigned)
Number of books read on your own (not assign) for personal enjoyment or academic enrichment
Written papers 20 pages or more
Number of written papers or reports of 20 pages or more
Written papers between 5 and 19 pages
Number of written papers or reports between 5 and 19 pages
Written papers fewer than 5 pages
Number of written papers or reports fewer than 5 pages



