Meeting Student Expectations in the Next Normal

According to one of the largest longitudinal studies of graduates in U.S. history, the quality and relevance of the learning experience is one of the most decisive factors in our success and well-being in life. Over the past year, the embrace of proven pedagogies and classroom technology has accelerated—and higher education must build on this momentum to increase the value of learning to students. Putting the right tools into capable hands offers institutions an unprecedented opportunity to make learning more equitable, to challenge students, and to make every course a place of relevance, vitality, and belonging. But to do so, institutions must pay careful attention to the evolving needs and expectations of today’s students. This session will explore the Hierarchy of Student Needs, a framework developed in collaboration with institutional leaders. It outlines four fundamental needs—Access, Belonging, Engagement, and Value—and key considerations to create the conditions for more students to thrive. Drawing on the experience of Penn State University, we’ll bring this framework to life by sharing how the institution has combined technology, pedagogy, and faculty expertise to meet the needs of its students. Attendees will also hear how the pandemic is shaping student expectations for learning in the next normal and learn how to use the hierarchy to ensure students receive meaningful value from their higher education investment.