Many students at Iowa State do not feel they are being challenged enough academically, according to the 2000 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) results.But given the chance to choose a difference college to attend, 85 percent of students questioned said they would choose Iowa State again. The survey conducted last spring at Iowa State asked 345 seniors and freshmen about their opinions on Iowa State and questions about their involvement as students.”They reported that their educational experience was a positive one,” said Mary Huba, assistant vice provost for undergraduate programs. She said the survey results pointed to many of Iowa State’s strengths.According to the results, two-thirds of students said Iowa State helped them develop important life skills like using technology, working with others and gaining work-related skills, Huba said.She also said students were also more likely to have the opportunity to work together on projects and assignments than students in national comparison groups.”This study focuses on learning, rather than teaching,” Huba said.Students were asked questions about how frequently they engage in behaviors which have been shown in research to encourage learning, such as working on team projects, instead of just asking students if they feel if they have been learning, she said.The answers also showed some weaknesses in learning as well, Huba said. She said according to the results some students don’t feel challenged in their classes.Compared to students nationally, ISU students are more likely to come to class unprepared, Huba said. Students also reported that on average they study only 11 to 15 hours per week.The Research Institute for Studies in Education will conduct focus groups in the spring to try to explain and understand these findings, said Mack Shelley, focus group member.”The main purpose of the focus groups is to get a better idea of why students expressed some of the reactions that showed up in the NSSE survey,” said Shelley, professor of educational and leadership policy studies and statistics.He said small groups of students and faculty will be asked questions informally about how challenging courses are at Iowa State, and how readings and technology can be used to enhance classes.Huba said 1,000 seniors and freshmen will participate in the 2001 NSSE next month.”Goal one of Iowa State’s strategic plan for 2001-2005 is to enhance learning through learner-centered teaching, services and enrichment opportunities,” she said.Huba said she feels the results from surveys like the NSSE are important in pointing out issues which need to be worked out in order to achieve that goal.The Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs’ office shares reports of the NSSE findings with the Faculty Senate, she said, and many of the university’s deans and department chairs. Huba hopes these reports will encourage faculty and staff to discuss ways to help students at Iowa State to learn more efficiently than they are now.